ABSTRACT
Officials at the meeting, in Pentagon, discussed the need to study "atomic clouds" including a proposal to create an atomic explosion in the Arctic to study radioactive cloud conditions. According to the proposal a "radioactive cloud" would be dispersed into the open air to: determine the cloud's ability to conceal in-flight American military aircraft; measure hazard levels inside the cloud; and track dispersal patterns of the radioactive material in and outside the cloud. British military researchers conducted open-air experiment involving radioactive clouds, which were disseminated over populated areas without the consent or knowledge of the general public. Exposure to radioactive materials through other open-air releases affecting local populations, livestock, and food sources in the Tri-Cities area was also a source of concern to residents, but those concerns were also downplayed by military officials. American public, who were affected by radiation, had expressed strong concern regarding radiation exposure via atomic bomb tests, which resulted in substantial federal policy changes.
