“Radium Death”
“Radium Death” refers to the tragic fate of female factory workers in the early 20th century who painted watch dials with radium, a radioactive substance. These women, often referred to as the “Radium Girls,” ingested radium by using their lips to shape the paintbrushes, leading to severe health issues, including bone necrosis and cancer.
The situation gained public attention as many of the workers suffered debilitating illnesses and sought justice. Their plight highlighted the dangers of radioactivity and the lack of workplace safety regulations, ultimately leading to reforms in labor laws and increased awareness of the health risks associated with hazardous materials.