A Second Nuclear Age Listen Download Embed Share Share this on Facebook (Opens in a new window) Share this on Twitter (Opens in a new window) Share this via Email A 15-megaton thermonuclear explosion, Bikini Atoll, 1 March 1954.The unexpected spread of fallout from the test led to awareness of, and research into, radioactive pollution. ( Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector / Getty ) Produced by Kyle McAuley and w Produced by PRI and WNYC