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Writer's pictureScott Britton

Silex and the Legacy of Radium Contamination: A Tale of Environmental Hazard


Silex, Missouri was once-thriving city nestled in the heartland of America, has a dark secret that has plagued its residents for decades. Radium contamination, a hazardous legacy of the city's industrial past, has left a lasting impact on both the environment and the health of its few remaining inhabitants. In this article, we delve into the history, consequences, and ongoing efforts to address this issue in Silex. The town is surrounded by the Cuivre river and other waterways that have generated flash flooding which has occasionally propelled the hamlet into the national spotlight. Silex, like many small towns, experienced an economic boom during the industrial era. The city became a hub for various industries surrounding its main cash crop silicon mining, including watchmaking, where radium was used in luminous watch dials due to its glowing properties. However, little was known about the long-term health risks associated with this radioactive element.

In the early 1900’s radium paint was applied to watch dials and hands, which contained tiny amounts of radium mixed with a phosphorescent material like zinc sulfide. The radium exhibited a faint glow in the dark which allowed people to read the time in an era before electricity had reached rural areas. Years after the heyday of radium usage, alarming health issues began to surface among former workers and residents of Silex. The correlation between radium exposure and diseases such as cancer and bone disorders became undeniable. It became clear that radium-contaminated waste had been improperly disposed of, leading to the contamination of soil and groundwater.

The consequences of radium contamination were devastating for the people of Silex. Earlier this year radioactive waste was found at Jana Elementary School in nearby Florissant Missouri. It seems that many of these outlying areas served the St Louis Market hub. Numerous lawsuits have been filed against the companies responsible for the improper disposal of radium waste. The legal battles sought justice for those affected, as well as financial compensation for medical expenses and suffering caused by the contamination. The environmental impact of radium contamination cannot be overlooked. The contamination has seeped into the soil and water sources, posing risks to local ecosystems. Recognizing the urgency, government agencies and environmental organizations have been working tirelessly to remediate the affected areas, implementing measures to contain and cleanse the contaminated sites.


The Silex community has come together to raise awareness about the radium contamination issue. Through public education initiatives, community events, and support groups for affected individuals, efforts are being made to empower and support those impacted by this environmental hazard. Additionally, these efforts aim to prevent future incidents by promoting responsible industrial practices and waste management. The story of Silex and its radium contamination serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting environmental safety measures. The city's struggle with this legacy has shed light on the importance of responsible industrial practices, waste management, and the need for stringent regulations to protect both the environment and public health. Through ongoing remediation efforts and community resilience, Silex is determined to overcome this dark chapter and create a safer and healthier future for its residents.

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