Remember about the Roaring Twenties? There were flappers, jazz, and Art Deco style. It all seemed to be modern, but daily life a century ago was filled with dangers we’ve long forgotten. The average home was a minefield of toxic chemicals, radioactive novelties, and questionable medicines. Before federal regulations and safety standards, what was sold as helpful or beautiful was sometimes dangerous.
#1: Radium-Infused Cosmetics and Toothpaste
Following the discovery of radium, manufacturers in the 1920s saw a marketing opportunity. They added the radioactive element to products promising a “youthful, glowing” complexion. Face creams, soaps, and even toothpastes like Doramad were almost mandatory on bathroom cabinets. Users were really absorbing lethal doses of radiation, all in the pursuit of a little extra sparkle that came from a very risky place.
