The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women

Though Marguerite reports feeling better, she still looks very ill. Katherine Wiley is so horrified by her suffering that she doubles down on the investigation. When she hears about Hazel’s mother’s claim for compensation, she goes to a judge for legal advice. The law limits workplace compensation claims to a statute of limitations of five months after the damage, and only for nine diseases, of which radium poisoning was not one. Wiley is not sure how to proceed and it seems like a dead end.

In May 1924, Wiley talks to McBride of the Department of Labor, demanding an investigation from the US Public Health Service. In June, the Drinkers deliver their internal report, noting that the girls’ blood is normal and relieving USRC of blame. Dr. Blum writes to USRC to ask for money for Hazel’s treatment, without blaming them for her condition. They refuse, reiterating their innocence. 

Katherine Schaub has moved from job to job, always leaving due to poor mental or physical health. Finally, in July 1924, she consults Dr. Blum. On one visit, she sees Hazel, whose jaw is swollen with fluid. Quinta MacDonald, too, is experiencing mysterious pain in her hip.