Fatal Consequences: The Horrifying Case of Radium Overconsumption
In 1932, Eben Byers died a gruesome death after consuming Radithor, a "miracle" tonic containing radium. Byers, a wealthy socialite, consumed over 1,000 bottles of Radithor in two years, resulting in his skull disintegrating and his body becoming highly radioactive. His death led to the inclusion of radioactive substances under FDA regulations, effectively shutting down the radioactive patent medicine industry. Byers' remains were exhumed in 1965 and found to be more radioactive than expected, highlighting the long-lasting dangers of radium.
