Eben Byers

Eben Byers (April 12, 1880 – March 31, 1932) was an American socialite, athlete, and industrialist whose death is often cited as a cautionary tale about the dangers of radiation poisoning. Byers became widely known following his death due to complications from consuming large quantities of radium-infused water, which was marketed at the time as a health tonic.

Early Life and Education

Eben Byers was born into a wealthy and influential family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Alexander Byers, a successful industrialist who played a significant role in the steel industry. Eben attended St. Paul's School, a prestigious preparatory school in New Hampshire, before enrolling at Yale University, where he excelled in both academics and athletics, particularly in golf, winning the 1906 Amateur Championship.

Career

After completing his education, Byers joined his family's business, eventually becoming the head of the Girard Iron Company. Under his leadership, the company prospered, and Byers became a prominent figure in the industrial sector. His wealth and social status also made him a well-known figure in high society, where he was recognized for his athletic achievements and social engagements.

Radium Water and Health Decline

In 1927, Byers injured his arm and, upon a friend's recommendation, began drinking Radithor, a patent medicine that was essentially radium dissolved in water, touted for its supposed health benefits. Believing in its curative properties, Byers consumed large quantities of Radithor over several years.

By 1930, Byers' health had deteriorated significantly. He suffered from severe headaches, weight loss, and anemia, symptoms typical of acute radiation syndrome. Despite consulting numerous doctors, his condition worsened, and the true cause of his ailments remained undiagnosed for some time.

Death and Legacy

Eben Byers died on March 31, 1932, from radiation-induced bone necrosis and marrow failure, conditions directly attributed to his excessive consumption of Radithor. His death brought national attention to the dangers of radium and the unregulated market of patent medicines. The Wall Street Journal's headline "The Radium Water Worked Fine until His Jaw Came Off" starkly highlighted the tragic consequences of Byers' radium ingestion.

Following Byers' death, the U.S. government took steps to regulate the advertisement and sale of radioactive substances, leading to significant changes in the way radioactive materials were handled and marketed. His case played a crucial role in the establishment of more stringent safety standards for the use of radium and other radioactive elements in consumer products.

See Also

• Radiation poisoning
• Radithor
• Patent medicine
• History of radiation therapy