The Radium Girls

Research in Lawrence County newspapers found articles about the discovery of radium. In the early 1900s, there were also advertisements and articles for using radium to boost one’s health, hard to believe knowing what we know now.

November 6, 1919, Lawrenceville Republican: “Mrs. Theodore Leighty leaves today for St. Luke’s hospital in Chicago where she will take the radium treatment which is thought will be beneficial.”

An ad for radium clay beauty packs stated that your skin could be improved by this product. “As the radium (active) like elements begin their work you feel a delightfully invigorating sensation, you feel their powerful yet harmless action on your skin as they draw out impurities, rejuvenate circulation, and lift up sagging facial tissues. In a few minutes the radium clay mask is removed by simply applying a warm towel and behold your mirror will compliment you." It was found in the Daily Record May 13, 1938.

Starting in 1917 and through the 1930’s articles were also found in local papers that would discuss the on-going legal case of the Radium Girls since the major case was developing in Ottawa, Illinois. These employees of the Radium Dial company painted the dials of clocks, watches, and aircraft instruments with luminescent paints made from radium. The method was coined “lip, dip and paint” in which the workers would use their mouths to shape the tiny paintbrushes to a tapered point for each number painted on the dial. This was estimated to amount to ingesting 43 micrograms of radioactive materials per day. These girls slowly began to die of radioactive poisoning. Although the company officials had knowledge of the deadly effect of radium, they kept promising the young girls the process was entirely safe. The lawsuit eventually led to the formation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

For a fascinating book about this historic period, check out The Radium Girls by Kate Moore.