Radioactive: The Karen Silkwood Mystery - Episode 3: Contaminated

Release Date: December 3, 2024
Host/Author: ABC News

Introduction

In Episode 3 of Radioactive: The Karen Silkwood Mystery, titled "Contaminated," ABC News delves deeper into the enigmatic events leading up to Karen Silkwood’s tragic death. This episode meticulously unpacks the series of contamination incidents Karen faced, the suspicions surrounding her death, and the ensuing legal battles that sought to uncover the truth.

Background and Prelude to Death

The episode opens with Mike Boettcher recounting a pivotal moment in October 1974, when Karen Silkwood joined other workers from Kerr-McGee’s nuclear fuel plant at a local veterans hall (00:33). Here, two leading nuclear physics experts revealed alarming truths about plutonium-239, highlighting its extreme toxicity—“20,000 times more toxic than cobra venom” (Bob Sands, 00:48). These revelations sent shockwaves through the workers, including Karen, who voiced her concern: “if we're going to be susceptible to cancer... then something has got to be done” (03:22).

Safety Meeting and Union Election

Steve Wadka, a union staffer, had recorded this crucial meeting. The underlying tension was palpable as the union faced an upcoming election that could potentially dissolve it. Karen passionately advocated for union support, stating, “if we lose next week, you're not going to have anything” (03:39). Despite mixed reactions from the workforce, the union triumphed with a significant vote, bolstering Karen’s hopes for improved safety conditions (04:32).

The Contamination Events

By mid-October 1974, Karen’s life took a dark turn. She began experiencing mysterious contamination incidents at work. On November 5th, eight days before her death, Karen was contaminated while working with plutonium in a sealed glove box, leading to a grueling decontamination shower (08:19). The harsh methods employed—using high-pressure water, Tide detergent, and bleach—left her skin raw and exacerbated her exposure risks (09:35). Despite multiple cleanings, Karen continued to show high levels of contamination, raising suspicions about the source.

Discovery of Spiked Samples

A critical breakthrough came when Karen’s urine and stool samples returned “astronomical” levels of plutonium, far exceeding what could be explained by her work exposure (25:08). Richard Raske, author of The Killing of Karen Silkwood, suggests that these samples were deliberately spiked with plutonium (26:47). This intentional tampering explained the pervasive contamination in Karen’s apartment and body, pointing to a possible act of retaliation aimed at silencing her advocacy.

The Investigation and Theory of Retaliation

Steve Wadka posits that the timing of the spiked samples—shortly after the union’s victory—hints at a retaliatory motive by Kerr-McGee. The accessibility of Karen’s samples in the plant made tampering feasible, suggesting internal sabotage. Furthermore, Karen had recently uncovered a more alarming issue: missing plutonium from the plant, equivalent to what could create a crude nuclear weapon (31:32). This discovery elevated her mission from workplace safety to a potential national security threat, intensifying the stakes.

Legal Battle: Lawsuit and Trial Proceedings

Following her untimely death in a car crash on November 13, 1974, Karen’s family filed a lawsuit against Kerr-McGee in 1979. Mike Boettcher and Bob Sands recount their extensive research into the case, highlighting the fierce legal confrontation that ensued (07:35). The trial, which began in March 1979, was a landmark event, attracting national attention. Art Angel, one of Karen’s lawyers, emphasized the David vs. Goliath nature of the case, illustrating the Silkwood family’s uphill battle against a powerful corporation (46:28).

During the trial, the Silkwood team meticulously presented evidence of Karen’s contamination and the company’s negligence. Dr. John Goffman, a renowned scientist, testified that Karen’s exposure was “married” to lung cancer (48:59). In contrast, Kerr-McGee’s defense argued that there was no direct evidence linking the contamination to severe health effects, asserting that Karen might have fabricated some incidents to tarnish the company’s reputation.

The Verdict and Settlement

After nearly three months and over 30 witness testimonies, the jury delivered a verdict in favor of the Silkwood family, finding Kerr-McGee negligent and awarding $10.5 million in damages (57:24). This decision was seen as a significant victory, affirming Karen’s warnings about the plant’s unsafe conditions. However, this triumph was short-lived. The verdict was overturned on a technicality and the case eventually settled in 1986 for $1.4 million, with Kerr-McGee admitting no wrongdoing (59:55).

Legacy and Continuing Mystery

Despite the legal resolution, the true circumstances surrounding Karen Silkwood’s death remain shrouded in mystery. Her family, particularly her father Bill Silkwood, remained convinced that her death was no accident, tirelessly seeking justice until his passing in 2004 (60:54). The episode underscores the enduring impact of Karen’s story, which continues to resonate as a symbol of corporate malfeasance and the struggle for worker safety and transparency.

Conclusion

Episode 3, "Contaminated," provides an in-depth exploration of the final, tumultuous month of Karen Silkwood’s life. Through newly-discovered tapes, testimonies, and expert insights, ABC News paints a comprehensive picture of the events that led to her contamination and subsequent death. The episode not only sheds light on the immediate dangers Karen faced but also highlights the broader implications for nuclear safety and corporate accountability.

Notable Quotes:

• Bob Sands (00:48): “Plutonium 239 is at least 20,000 times more toxic than cobra venom...”

• Karen Silkwood (03:22): “...something has got to be done.”

• Steve Wadka (09:35): “...it could actually allow the plutonium to get into the body instead of removing it.”

• Art Angel (48:59): “...a person like Karen Silkwood exposed to that much plutonium is married to lung cancer. They are inseparable.”

• Linda Silkwood Vincent (45:19): “She was killed for what should be.”

Timestamps Reference:

• 00:33 – Mike Boettcher introduces the safety meeting.
• 03:22 – Karen’s plea for action against plutonium exposure.
• 09:35 – Steve Wadka discusses the decontamination process.
• 25:08 – Discovery of spiked urine and stool samples.
• 26:47 – Bob Sands explains the tampering of samples.
• 31:32 – Karen’s revelation about missing plutonium.
• 46:28 – Art Angel reflects on the legal battle.
• 48:59 – Dr. John Goffman’s testimony on Karen’s contamination.
• 57:24 – Verdict of $10.5 million in damages.
• 59:55 – Settlement details in 1986.
• 60:54 – Linda Silkwood Vincent on the ongoing quest for truth.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn in Episode 3: "Contaminated," providing a thorough understanding of Karen Silkwood’s final days and the enduring quest for justice.