I was at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Milan checking radiation levels on a WWII Italian fighter cockpit, a Macchi MC.205, using a scintillation detector.
Background radiation around the aircraft was normal, about 0.11 µSv/h. When I approached the cockpit and especially the instrument panel, the readings increased sharply, peaking at 2.34 µSv/h. The increase was very localized and dropped back toward background levels as soon as I stepped away, indicating a specific source inside the cockpit rather than general contamination.
That’s when I went down the rabbit hole and learned about the Radium Girls, factory workers who painted glow in the dark watch and instrument dials using radium based paint. They were told it was safe and were even encouraged to shape their brushes with their lips, which led to radium ingestion and devastating health consequences.
The connection is that the same type of radium luminous paint was widely used on WWII aircraft gauges and needles so pilots could read instruments at night.
It’s important to note that radiation levels like these are not dangerous for short exposure and visitors obviously did not live in the cockpit. The main historical risk of radium paint was inhalation or ingestion of degraded paint dust, not briefly standing nearby.
Context matters. If you were sat in that cockpit you're likely exposed to a lot of other stuff that's going to kill you a lot quicker than the radiation dosage.
Most of the Radium Girls died sadly. However their legal battles, though often ending with small settlements, garnered national attention, forced medical investigations, and established precedents for workers' compensation for industrial diseases. Their sacrifice directly influenced the creation of OSHA and modern radiation safety protocols, protecting future workers from unseen dangers.
If you employer knows something is dangerous and forces you to do it anyway. Just call OSHA. I had someone remove a lockout-tagout equipment and keep using it. They knew it was dangerous.
You know what's even worse about the Radium Girls? When they got sick the company would bring in their own doctor and would label the girls as having one STD or another, instead of actually telling them what happened... this often led to them being ostracized from their families and loved ones. Eventually many of these girls died, and before they died their jaws would fall off... literally.
It’s a Radiacode, give it a Google (other search engines are available). There are different models with different prices. Great little device, I have the 103 and 110 and find it fascinating.
It is an absolute travesty what happened to those girls. The company was well aware that they were sentencing their workers to a slow and excruciating death and they still chose to gaslight and deny.
Very sad story. Love to learn as much about war history as possible. Actually found a watch this year at auction that is painted. Seem rare so I feel lucky to own a piece of history.
I went to the play this summer, and it was indeed heartbreaking and informative. One of the best theater experiences I've had recently. I'd definitely recommend it if there is a local production near you!
The Radium tale is amazing and yet so incredibly sad. I was flabbergasted when I first read about it. Movie theater wasn’t great but the story is incredible.
I was at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Milan checking radiation levels on a WWII Italian fighter cockpit, a Macchi MC.205, using a scintillation detector.
Background radiation around the aircraft was normal, about 0.11 µSv/h. When I approached the cockpit and especially the instrument panel, the readings increased sharply, peaking at 2.34 µSv/h. The increase was very localized and dropped back toward background levels as soon as I stepped away, indicating a specific source inside the cockpit rather than general contamination.
That’s when I went down the rabbit hole and learned about the Radium Girls, factory workers who painted glow in the dark watch and instrument dials using radium based paint. They were told it was safe and were even encouraged to shape their brushes with their lips, which led to radium ingestion and devastating health consequences.
The connection is that the same type of radium luminous paint was widely used on WWII aircraft gauges and needles so pilots could read instruments at night.
It’s important to note that radiation levels like these are not dangerous for short exposure and visitors obviously did not live in the cockpit. The main historical risk of radium paint was inhalation or ingestion of degraded paint dust, not briefly standing nearby.
2.34 µSv/h, not great, not terrible.
Best single season show evah!
great, not terrible
Firefly would like a word.
Love that show. Chernobyl is way better
It’s a mini series.
Context matters. If you were sat in that cockpit you're likely exposed to a lot of other stuff that's going to kill you a lot quicker than the radiation dosage.
I understood that reference.
It only goes up to 2.34
The good one is in the safe
But imagine the women who were exposed to the material.
His post says they basically ate it
It is the maximum reading on a low level dosimeter
Depends on the amount. 5 mSv is the maximum allowance for a person in a year working with radiation. So that's not great
I believe it’s 50 mSv not 5 mSv. It is 5 mSv if you’re pregnant.
Nrs 459.010-459.950 have fun
And that takes over 2000 hours. Which is a lot. Over 5.5 hours per day for 365 days.
Most of the Radium Girls died sadly. However their legal battles, though often ending with small settlements, garnered national attention, forced medical investigations, and established precedents for workers' compensation for industrial diseases. Their sacrifice directly influenced the creation of OSHA and modern radiation safety protocols, protecting future workers from unseen dangers.
If you employer knows something is dangerous and forces you to do it anyway. Just call OSHA. I had someone remove a lockout-tagout equipment and keep using it. They knew it was dangerous.
You know what's even worse about the Radium Girls? When they got sick the company would bring in their own doctor and would label the girls as having one STD or another, instead of actually telling them what happened... this often led to them being ostracized from their families and loved ones. Eventually many of these girls died, and before they died their jaws would fall off... literally.
How much is a detector like that?
It’s a Radiacode, give it a Google (other search engines are available). There are different models with different prices. Great little device, I have the 103 and 110 and find it fascinating.
Thank you
You’re welcome.
It is an absolute travesty what happened to those girls. The company was well aware that they were sentencing their workers to a slow and excruciating death and they still chose to gaslight and deny.
Wikipedia link for anyone else who is interested:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radium_Girls?wprov=sfti1#
There is a fighter cockpit there? I honestly don’t remember that at all, and I loved that museum.
Lots of people collect radium clocks and watches. I have a small clock
This is so fucking uncanny because I just read about this in a museum I was at literally not even 10 minutes ago
It’s the algorithm man! 😵💫
Damn this is fucking interesting, thank you
Stuff like this reminds you why you wade through the brain rot all week
Very sad story. Love to learn as much about war history as possible. Actually found a watch this year at auction that is painted. Seem rare so I feel lucky to own a piece of history.
The stage play is heartbreaking, if you ever get a chance. A good production will rip your heart out. The movie was good too.
Cautionary Tales did a great podcast on the Radium Girls as well. They
I went to the play this summer, and it was indeed heartbreaking and informative. One of the best theater experiences I've had recently. I'd definitely recommend it if there is a local production near you!
The Radium Girls by Kate Moore is an excellent book about these women and their experience. Available on audiobook as well
Scintillating!
Much worse if you ingest it.
Let me eat my Luftwaffle in peace!
What’s the device called?
A Geiger counter?
My wife read the book and she said it was heartbreaking.
It was used in Ground Vehicles like Tanks. At least one M4 Sherman at the Bovington Tank Museum is sealed because of excessive radiation.
Chernobyl series was dope
What about wrist watches that are worn every day, Is that a risk also.?
Not since last 50 years.
Watches from that time period, maybe. Nowadays most are commonly photoluminescent with non radioactive elements.
Give it a little taste.
Have you heard the song?? Check it out - radium girls - curie elaison by Rachel sumner
The Radium tale is amazing and yet so incredibly sad. I was flabbergasted when I first read about it. Movie theater wasn’t great but the story is incredible.
“Stuff you should know” did a podcast on the Radium girls that was very informative.
You own a Geiger counter but didn’t know about radium girls? Our journey all takes different paths I guess.
RKBM reactors don’t have WWII planes in them, You didn’t see a WWII plane, this man is delusional, take him to the infirmary.
My guy just casually walks around with a radiation detector
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These are not the girl pics you want to be gooning to
The Radium Girls is a story worth hearing.
They did some of the cutest things with the paint.