37. Radiant Lives, Dark Legacies: The Unseen Influence of The Radium Girls’ (w/Joe Campanelli)

The early 20th century was a time of rapid scientific advancement, as researchers made astonishing discoveries about radiation and radioactivity. But this new science also had dark consequences that weren't fully understood. In this episode, we'll explore the tragic story of the Radium Girls, female factory workers who were exposed to dangerous radioactive materials and suffered horrific health effects like jaw necrosis and bone deterioration. Their fight for justice revealed the corporate malfeasance of radium companies in covering up these health hazards, prioritizing profits over people. The Radium Girls' case led to new worker safety regulations and oversight bodies like OSHA. Joined by Joe Campanelli from The Story of...Podcast, we discuss the little-known history of the Radium Girls and how they changed our understanding of science, business, and regulation in the nuclear age. This dark legacy demonstrated what happens when science gets ahead of its own knowledge and understanding. It shows the importance of workplace safety regulations and not letting corporations cut corners at the expense of workers’ health.
So while a historical recounting of the Radium Girls' tragedy, this conversation also touches on bigger themes of science, corporate incentives, expertise, and occupational hazards that still resonate today. Further Exploration: Click the link and check out Joe's podcast: The Story Of... The Story of... Twitter Page