Today, Explained Our annual Halloween hysteria
Oct 28, 2022
Stacey St. Clair, a reporter with the Chicago Tribune known for her work on the Tylenol murders, teams up with W. Scott Poole, a history professor and horror author. They dive into the origins of Halloween fears, tracing them from ancient traditions to today's panics like the rainbow fentanyl scare. The conversation also reveals how the Tylenol case amplified public anxiety about candy safety, highlighting the media's impact on societal perception. Together, they debunk myths and explore the eerie evolution of Halloween's cultural landscape.
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1982 Tylenol Murders
- In September 1982, seven Chicago residents died after taking Tylenol laced with cyanide.
- The victims included a 12-year-old girl, two young mothers, a flight attendant, and three family members.
Tylenol Murders' Impact on Halloween
- While unrelated to Halloween, the Tylenol murders profoundly impacted the 1982 Halloween celebrations.
- Widespread fear led to communities canceling trick-or-treating and increased parental scrutiny of candy.
Changed Halloween Traditions
- Chuck Kramer, a fire lieutenant, highlighted how the Tylenol murders changed Halloween traditions.
- Parents began thoroughly checking their children's candy due to heightened safety concerns.