Summary

Chapter 11, “Newark, New Jersey, 1924,” described the growing number of patients visiting dentists Drs. Barry and Davidson. Women who continued working at the USRC, like Josephine Smith and Marguerite Carlough, began seeking treatment, and Barry gave them an ultimatum to cease employment there. Some women, like Grace and Hazel, looked to more prominent doctors. Grace’s condition seemed to improve, but Hazel's diagnosis by dentist Dr. Blum determined that she was poisoned by “a radioactive substance” and ultimately could not be saved (77). News of the ill, former dial-painters spread throughout the community, and the Department of Labor had little power to change the situation. They did not issue a thorough investigation and decided to drop the case. Hazel's mother, distraught by her daughter’s failing health, wrote a letter to the USRC threatening to hold them financially accountable.

In response to this and a “downturn...