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Caviar and Criminals
That’s Not Syphilis: The Radium Girls
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In this episode, Dana tells Anthony the chilling story of the Radium Girls — young women who were told they were part of something glamorous, modern, and even healthy… until their bodies began to fall apart.
In the early 1900s, these factory workers painted watch dials with radium — a glowing substance marketed as a miracle of science. Using the now-infamous “lip, dip, paint” technique, they unknowingly ingested toxic material daily, all while being assured it was completely safe.
But when their teeth loosened, their jaws deteriorated, and their bones began to break, the truth was impossible to ignore. Instead of answers, many of these women were dismissed, misdiagnosed, and even accused of having syphilis.
What followed was a groundbreaking legal battle — one that would change labor laws, workplace safety, and corporate accountability forever.
This episode dives into the beauty, betrayal, and slow horror of the Radium Girls… and the fight for justice that came at an unimaginable cost.
Caviar & Criminals is a true crime and pop culture podcast hosted by Anthony Kurtz & Dana Parisi. New episodes every Thursday. Follow us on Instagram @caviarandcriminals • Contact: team@caviarandcriminals.com. Be Pretty & Petty.
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