Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford How the Radium Girls Fought Back
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Dec 8, 2023 
Kate Moore, an acclaimed author known for her bestsellers on historical women's experiences, joins to discuss the harrowing tale of the Radium Girls. These brave young women suffered grievous health effects from toxic radium exposure while fighting against corporate negligence. Moore highlights their courageous legal battles and the stark reality of gender disparities in workplace safety. Their struggle not only sought justice for themselves but also paved the way for significant reforms in labor protections, leaving a lasting legacy in public health.
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Radium's Perceived Health Benefits
- Radium poisoning was not immediately recognized because radium was considered a health tonic.
- Products like radium water, pills, and cosmetics were widely available.
Molly Maggia's Jaw
- Molly Maggia's first radium poisoning symptom was a toothache.
- Her jawbone later disintegrated when the dentist touched it.
Women Recognizing the Problem
- The Radium Girls discovered the commonality of their suffering by sharing their experiences.
- This realization came before experts acknowledged the issue.
