99% Invisible Mr. Yuk
28 snips
Apr 30, 2024 
Gillian Jacobs, known for her role in "Community," dives into the fascinating story of Mr. Yuk, the iconic green sticker designed to deter children from hazardous substances. She shares her Pittsburgh pride in this mascot of poison prevention and the nostalgic feelings it evokes. The conversation also touches on how Mr. Yuk became a cultural symbol for safety, revealing the challenges of communicating dangers like radioactive waste to future generations. Jacobs brings humor and insight to this essential topic of children's safety and environmental responsibility.
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Mr. Yuk Misidentification
- Gillian Jacobs, noticing a sticker on a football helmet, thought it was Mr. Yuk.
- This triggered a deep dive into the history of the Pittsburgh-famous poison warning symbol.
Mr. Yuk's Purpose
- Mr. Yuk is a neon green sticker with a disgusted face, designed to warn children of hazardous substances.
- He was created to be a universal symbol, indicating poison.
Poison Control History
- Poison control centers are a relatively modern invention.
- Historically, poison prevention relied on specially shaped bottles and labels like the skull and crossbones.