Byers was a successful industrialist and American socialite who made his fortune in the steel industry during the early 20th century. However, his life took a dark turn and met a tragic fate when he began consuming a popular tonic called Radithor.
What happened, then? continue reading the blog.
In this blog, you will get to know,
Who is Eben Byers?
- A. Medical officer
- B. Socialist and industrialist
- C. Data scientist
- D. Architecture
- Eben Byers’ Early Life
- Why did the doctor prescribe Radithor, the radium-infused water?
- Benefits of Radithor
- The Tragic Case of Radithor: The Radioactive Medication That Disformed Eben Byers’ Jaw
- EBEN BYERS’ Body Exhumed: A Radioactive Poisoning
Who is Eben Byers’? – Early Life
Ebenezer McBurney Byers was an American socialite, sportsman, and industrialist born on April 12, 1880. Eben Buyer completed his graduation at St.Paul’s School and Yale College. He was the son of the famous industrialist Alexandar Byers. He gained popularity and earned a reputation as a sportsman and played on the Yale Bulldogs golf team. In the year 1905, he won the U.S. Amateur golf championship after finishing the runner-up in 1902 and 1903. Later, he became the chairman of the Girard Iron Company that has been created by his father.
Byers was much interested in sports and physical fitness from a young age. In 1906, he won the U.S. Amateur in golf. He died on March 31, 1932, from multiple radiations-induced cancer after consuming Radithor( A medicine which is made from radium dissolved in water).
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Why Did the Doctor Prescribe Radithor, The Radium-Infused Water?
Radithor was a radioactive drink patented by William J.A. Bailey, a Harvard dropout, that contains Radium. In the early 20th century, radithor gained popularity as a health tonic due to its unique composition of radium-infused water. Radithor was believed to offer a range of potential health benefits, and many people started drinking it.
Let us get started to know the benefits of radiator.
Benefits of Radithor: The Radium-Infused Water
1. Boost Energy Levels
Radium, the radioactive element in Radithor, can stimulate the body’s metabolism, increase overall vitality, and boost energy levels.
2. Increased Immune Function
Radithor is a popular choice for those looking to strengthen their body against illness and infection as it has immune-boosting properties.
3. Treats Cancer and Body Disorders
Radium was used in medicine to treat cancer and other body disorders as it is highly radiotoxic and carcinogenic.
Radithor: The Radioactive Medication That Disformed Eben Byers’ Jaw
Radithor quickly gained popularity among the wealthy and elite. However, the tragic case of Eben Byers serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of this radioactive medication.
Eben Byers believed that the radioactive water contained in the elixir would provide him with increased energy and vitality. Unfortunately, Byers soon began to experience severe health problems, including disfigurement of his jaw.
Reason For the Side Effects
The radioactive elements in Radithor, specifically radium and thorium, slowly began to accumulate in Byers’ body, causing irreversible damage to his bones and tissues. Byers continued to consume Radithor until he died in 1932.
Radithor might have potential health benefits, but its radioactive properties ultimately led to devastating consequences for Byers.
Eben Byers’s Body Exhumed: A Radioactive Poisoning
In the case of Byers, the discovery of radium’s harmful effects on the human body came too late. He has been ingesting the substance for years for his health improvement and vitality. Unfortunately, Byers suffered from severe health issues instead of experiencing benefits which ultimately led to his death.
The exhumation of Byers’ body has provided researchers with valid information and the long-term effects of radium poisoning. Then, everyone came to understand that exposure of radioactive substances will impact the human body over time.