Newspaper Clipping, May 30, 1928

Phila tasher way RADHUM-HANDLING It Is Said No Danger Exists If Dis- cretion Is Used To the Editor of the Public Ledger. : Sir-Perhaps you will give me a few moments to express my thoughts on the recent newspaper publications regarding radium-poisoning and deaths. In all due respect and sympathy to these victims, we all first must have consideration for the industries. Carelessness on some- body's part has caused many a layman to fear the word "radium" not only in the commercial use but in the professional practice. Accidents in all walks of life will hap- pen. More persons die from drinking poi- son liquors than radium would kill in 1780 years. The woman who discovered radium back in the year of 1896 is still alive. During the war our men depended on luminous watch and airplane dials, gunsights, etc. Many a soldier's life was saved, and a luminous dial in many in- stances today serves more than its pur- pose. Permit me to tell you that in twelve years of my experiences in handling ra- dium, professionally and commercially, no harm has been contracted by me or as- sociates in any respect. Precaution must be taken naturally in handling any sub- stances, whether it be chemicals, paints, cosmetics or gases. Therefore, if the o newspapers are serving the purpose to p educate the people, why not view the E industrial part of this affair? A remark used at a recent lecture was, "Give a quack a grain of salt and harm will come to all." There is absolutely nothing to be in fear about when it comes to radio- active substances if common sense and discretion are used in handling. FRANK HARTMAN. Philadelphia, May 24, 1928. MEMORIES OF BUCHANAN 1 -e