In 1949, US scientists deliberately released a cloud of radioactive iodine into the atmosphere over Washington state to judge their ability to monitor radioactive plumes.
Radiologists, under pressure from their employers, have adopted practices which lead to the underreporting of radiation hazards, failure to adjust radiation thresholds in the light of potential hazards, and failure to investigate adequately the nature of such hazards. Examples include hazards of long-term exposure to low-level radiation in nuclear installations, improper recommended X-ray dosages for medical purposes, sterilization of water and food with radioactive isotopes, radioactive radiation to detect living things inside vehicles at sensitive border crossings, and long-term consequences of exposure to nuclear weapons tests. In each case radiologists have denied or suppressed evidence indicative of the levels of danger.