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Book Cover for: The Radium Girls: America's Shining Tragedy: The Dark Legacy and Inspiring Fight for Justice and Workers' Rights in the Face of Corporat, Marlowe G. Blake

The Radium Girls: America's Shining Tragedy: The Dark Legacy and Inspiring Fight for Justice and Workers' Rights in the Face of Corporat

Marlowe G. Blake

In the early 20th century, a group of young women embarked on a journey to conquer the world, armed with their aspirations and the enigmatic substance called radium. Unbeknownst to them, their quest for autonomy and a more prosperous life would steer them towards a perilous journey. Employed to paint luminous watch dials for the glowing hands of timepieces, they embraced their newfound independence and success. These ladies exemplified the essence of the Roaring Twenties, with their vibrant smiles reflecting the captivating radiance of the radium.

Around 1920, the first illnesses showed up. At first, doctors didn't know what was going on because healthy young women were suddenly getting sick with a lot of different illnesses, like cancer and anemia. But the scariest sign for these women was necrosis of the jaw, which meant that their faces were actually rotting away. The only thing these young women had in common was that they were all sick at the same time. Every single one of them worked in companies that made radium dials in Connecticut, Illinois, and New Jersey. The girls were told that the paint was safe to touch, and they often licked their paintbrushes to keep the tips sharp. Because of this, they didn't take many safety measures while handling this radioactive poison.

However, over time, the girls began to experience unexplained illnesses. In the face of declining health, they courageously took on an uphill battle, fighting not just for their own survival, but also for the cause of justice and the well-being of future generations. Their story sheds light on the less ethical aspects of corporate practices, highlighting the cutthroat nature of the radium industry and the alarming lack of concern for human well-being.

Their relentless pursuit of recognition and compensation had a profound impact on history, paving the way for improved working conditions and the establishment of workers' rights. This compelling story vividly portrays the Radium Girls' challenging experience, leaving readers inspired by their resolute resolve to turn tragedy into victory.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Independently Published
  • Publish Date: Apr 10th, 2024
  • Pages: 66
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 8.00in - 5.00in - 0.14in - 0.16lb
  • EAN: 9798322439592
  • Categories: Women