MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries - Episode 79: The Shining

Introduction

In Episode 79 of MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries, titled "The Shining," host Mr. Ballin unravels a chilling true story of occupational hazard, medical mystery, and corporate negligence from the early 20th century. This episode delves deep into the harrowing experiences of Molly Maggia, a young woman whose promising career in watch painting spirals into a nightmare due to an insidious and unrecognized poison lurking in her workplace.

Setting the Scene: A Promising Beginning [03:00 - 05:00]

The story begins in August 1917 in the small city of Orange, New Jersey, where 19-year-old Molly Maggia and her sister, Albina, secure jobs at a local studio. The studio specializes in hand-painting glow-in-the-dark numbers and hands on watch faces—a coveted position for women at the time, offering clean and artistic work environments compared to the grimy factories prevalent during that era.

“It seemed interesting and artistic and it paid really well. Plus it sounded glamorous because they wouldn't have to work in a dirty factory.” (03:45)

Both sisters are ecstatic, especially since such opportunities were rare for women, who were typically confined to low-paying and hazardous factory jobs. Their enthusiasm is palpable as they embark on what appears to be a promising career path.

A Looming Threat: Early Signs of Trouble [05:00 - 08:00]

Molly quickly proves herself to be a natural artist, earning promotions and accolades within the studio. However, her triumph is soon overshadowed by persistent dental issues. After a problematic tooth extraction that leaves her with a sore spot in her gums, Molly seeks help from Dr. Joseph Neff. Initially diagnosed with periodontitis—a common gum disease—Molly is prescribed antibacterial mouthwash to alleviate her symptoms.

“She didn’t want to lose any more teeth, but Dr. Neff assured her that would not happen.” (07:15)

Despite Dr. Neff's reassurances, Molly's condition deteriorates. Her gums continue to swell, teeth become loose, and painful ulcers emerge, leaving her in constant agony.

Descent into Despair: The Unraveling of Health [08:00 - 12:00]

As months pass, Molly's health spirals out of control. Her once radiant smile is now marred by missing teeth and painful sores. Dr. Neff's initial diagnosis of periodontitis proves inadequate as Molly's symptoms worsen, leading to multiple dental visits without relief.

“Her smile, which she used to think was one of her best features, was now full of holes.” (11:30)

In a desperate attempt to find answers, Molly switches dentists, hoping for a fresh perspective. However, Dr. Neff remains baffled, unable to diagnose the true cause of her afflictions. Her suffering intensifies, leading to her eventual hospitalization.

The Shocking Revelation: Uncovering the Truth [12:00 - 16:00]

In May 1922, Dr. Neff finally uncovers the grim reality behind Molly's condition. During an examination, he experiences the horrifying moment when Molly's jawbone breaks under his touch—literally pulling a chunk of her lower jaw from her mouth.

“I reached inside of her mouth with his fingers and felt her jaw from the inside. And to his horror, he found a piece of the woman's lower jaw had literally broken off.” (15:10)

An exhumation of Molly's body later reveals her skeleton glowing—an undeniable testament to radium poisoning. It becomes clear that the glow-in-the-dark paint used at the studio contained radium, a radioactive element that Molly and her coworkers had been inadvertently ingesting through a technique called "lip pointing." This method involved placing paintbrushes in their mouths to keep the bristles sharp, leading to chronic radium exposure.

“Molly's skeleton was glowing.” (16:00)

Aftermath: Legal Battles and Lasting Impact [16:00 - End]

The revelation sparks legal action against the US Radium Corporation, the studio's employer. Five women file a lawsuit seeking restitution for their suffering, receiving settlements that, tragically, do little to alleviate their prolonged agony and eventual deaths from radium poisoning. The case paves the way for stricter occupational safety regulations, preventing future atrocities of a similar nature.

Despite the legal victories, the personal toll on Molly and her colleagues is irreparable. Their stories underscore the dire consequences of corporate negligence and the paramount importance of workplace safety.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “It seemed interesting and artistic and it paid really well. Plus it sounded glamorous because they wouldn't have to work in a dirty factory.” — 03:45

• “She didn’t want to lose any more teeth, but Dr. Neff assured her that would not happen.” — 07:15

• “Her smile, which she used to think was one of her best features, was now full of holes.” — 11:30

• “I reached inside of her mouth with his fingers and felt her jaw from the inside. And to his horror, he found a piece of the woman's lower jaw had literally broken off.” — 15:10

• “Molly's skeleton was glowing.” — 16:00

Conclusion

The Shining serves as a haunting reminder of the hidden dangers that can pervade even the most promising workplaces. Mr. Ballin masterfully weaves a narrative that highlights the intersection of medical mysteries and industrial malfeasance. Molly Maggia's tragic story is not just a tale of personal suffering but also a pivotal moment that catalyzed significant changes in workplace safety standards, ensuring that such a tragedy would never be repeated.

Key Takeaways

• Occupational Hazards: Even seemingly safe work environments can harbor invisible dangers that lead to catastrophic health outcomes.

• Corporate Responsibility: The US Radium Corporation's negligence underscores the critical importance of corporate accountability in safeguarding employee health.

• Medical Mysteries: The initial misdiagnosis of Molly's condition highlights the challenges faced by medical professionals in identifying and addressing emerging health threats.

• Regulatory Impact: The lawsuit and subsequent legal actions played a crucial role in implementing stricter workplace safety regulations, preventing future tragedies.

Credits

• Episode Title: The Shining
• Written by: Karis Allen, Pash Cooper
• Edited by: Heather Dundas
• Sound Design: Andre Plus
• Producers: Nick Ryan, Taylor Sniffin, Alex Benedon, Sarah Vitak, Teja Palaconda
• Fact-Checked by: Sheila Patterson
• Executive Producers: Mr. Ballin, Nick Witters
• Production Support: Avery Siegel
• Head of Production: Zach Levitt

Thank you for listening to MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries. Stay tuned for more riveting true stories that unravel the darkest corners of medical history.