In the 1960s, swindlers pushed fake radioactive medicine

Imagine a device that claims to cure cancer, soothe arthritis, and even irradiate your baby’s milk. Intriguing, right? Now, what if I told you that this miracle gadget harnesses the power of radioactive gas? Sold!

However, if you found yourself drawn to such a device without a hint of doubt, Popular Science would have labeled you as “hopelessly gullible” 60 years ago. In our latest video, we delve into the quackery of the early-to-mid 20th century, where flashy yet expensive scams disguised as medical breakthroughs preyed on unsuspecting individuals.

Take the Atomotrone, for example, resembling a mini fridge and claiming to “irradiate” food using colored lights and radio signals. Simply close the door, press a button, and voilà. Sounds similar to a microwave, right? The catch is that the Atomotrone did…nothing. Or perhaps you’d be interested in “radon emanators” that delivered on their name by exposing your food and drinks to radioactive gas. Appetizing, isn’t it?

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