Radiation Poisoning and Notable Cases
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
Throughout the history there have been diseases and illnesses that have eradicated cities and taken lives at large numbers. While there have been many diseases that have spread from both animals and insects, there have been a handful that were created by man. Although of all diseases, one has been spread through carelessness, warfare, and disasters; and that is radiation poisoning. This disease does not discriminate or only affect certain classes but can lead to long lasting effect not only to generations affected by it but the environment and wildlife as well. There have been many notable cases of the effect of radiation poisoning which includes The Radium Girls, Tokaimura’s employee Hisashi Ouchi, and two of the most famous cases, the bombing of Hiroshima and the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant explosion. These cases not only lead to large numbers of death, but in the latter of the two, caused generations and the land to be affected for years to come. While these events could have been avoided, a large amount of covering up of information and unethical handling of the cases and victims are what make them all the more tragic. It can be argued that the effects of radiation poisoning are not only traumatic to those directly affected but can also have long term effects that come after the original fallout.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Anette Finley-Croswhite
College Affiliation
College of Arts & Letters
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Disciplines
History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
Session Title
Medical History #1
Location
Zoom Room ZZ
Start Date
3-20-2021 2:00 PM
End Date
3-20-2021 2:55 PM
Radiation Poisoning and Notable Cases
Zoom Room ZZ
Throughout the history there have been diseases and illnesses that have eradicated cities and taken lives at large numbers. While there have been many diseases that have spread from both animals and insects, there have been a handful that were created by man. Although of all diseases, one has been spread through carelessness, warfare, and disasters; and that is radiation poisoning. This disease does not discriminate or only affect certain classes but can lead to long lasting effect not only to generations affected by it but the environment and wildlife as well. There have been many notable cases of the effect of radiation poisoning which includes The Radium Girls, Tokaimura’s employee Hisashi Ouchi, and two of the most famous cases, the bombing of Hiroshima and the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant explosion. These cases not only lead to large numbers of death, but in the latter of the two, caused generations and the land to be affected for years to come. While these events could have been avoided, a large amount of covering up of information and unethical handling of the cases and victims are what make them all the more tragic. It can be argued that the effects of radiation poisoning are not only traumatic to those directly affected but can also have long term effects that come after the original fallout.