Tags
20th century, consumer's leagues, diseases, history, industrial hygiene, radium paint, toxicology, United States, war work, watch dial painters, women, World War 1914-1918
Written from the perspective of the enthusiastic teenage girls who stepped up in the early WWI war effort to work in the factories painting illuminated dials for the military, their sacrifice outweighed their courage. Mysteriously, they became ill. But in an age before our technology, each seemed like a random case. Take part in one of the biggest scandals of corporate denial in the 20th century. Page turning non-fiction that includes remarkable photos of the women you will never forget plus a reading guide.
“This timely book celebrates the strength of a group of women, whose determination to fight improved both labor laws and scientific knowledge of radium poisoning. Written in a highly readable, narrative style, Moore’s chronicle of these inspirational women’s lives is sure to provoke discussion-and outrage-in book groups.” – Booklist-STARRED review
“Moore’s well-researched narrative is written with clarity and a sympathetic voice that brings these figures and their struggles to life…a must-read for anyone interested in American and women’s history, as well as topics of law, health, and industrial safety.” – STARRED Library Journal
“We sometimes need reminding of where health and safety came from, and why it is so very important for progress. The Radium Girls compels us to remember.” – Chemistry World
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