Radium Girls

When the Curies discovered radium the world lit up with excitement.  The  endless possibility buzz included cures for numerous diseases, make-up enhancers, and energy boosting drinks.  However, the truth about radium came to light slowly, as one by one, young women working with radium became ill with undefined symptoms.  Radium Girls is their story, and much like Killers of the Flower Moon, it unmasks a seldom discussed period in America's history.

Dial painting  factories began springing up in the 1920's when the government contracted companies to paint glow in the dark clock dials.  The painters were mostly women, including girls as young as eleven.  The factories were happy places where the women made friends, and earned money for their families while men were at war. These women proudly did their part  for our country.  With the encouragement of supervisors, painters slid  their radium dusted brushes between their lips, bringing the brush to a  point, enabling them to paint the fine lines required.  Everyone on the high end of the pay scale knew of this practice, and they ignored their ethical responsibility to warn their employees of potential dangers. 

Gradually, symptoms began.  Teeth fell out. Jaws disintegrated.  Bone structure weakened.  Internal organs failed. When a dentist connected the dots and  questioned commonalities in several patients, the symptoms led  to workplace dangers and eventually to  radium.  As the suspected link grew stronger, cover-ups began.  

Because of the exhausting details, I had to read this book in spurts.  First and foremost, it is frightening. I wonder what is being done right now for the love of money that could be dangerous to us.  What is being overlooked that could be killing us?  How diligent can we be as consumers before the diligence become paranoia?  

This book is well researched and heavily documented.  Don't let that scare you. It reads smoothly... you should read this book.  Is there nothing hopeful in this story?  Certainly.  The affected women stood together in courage and with strength.  Their solidarity brought about changes to the workplace, changes that are now in place to protect workers and allow them to have a voice in working conditions.  Trite as it may sound, their example should encourage us all to live with our eyes open and, when  necessary,  rise above and have the cajones to fight. 

Thanks for stopping by.