Radioactive Toothpaste - The Deceptive World of Irium: A Tale of Toothpaste, Lies, and Radioactivity

Ever heard of the element Iruim? Sounds kind of dangerous, right? Like uranium, plutonium, and other radioactive stuff. Well, I’m here to tell you that Irium is most definitely a thing, or at least it was when it was introduced about 100 years ago – but - not a real thing. Back in the early part of the ‘Atomic Age’ folks were impressed by the thought of a gently glowing substance filled with an innate energy all its own. Radioactive materials began finding their way into all kinds of things – from pills, to pain reliving pads, tonics, and skin treatments and cosmetics. Folks didn’t know any better – and many of the powers that be insisted radiation was not at all dangerous. Well - until somebody jaw fell off – but that’s a whole 'nother story The belief in radioactivity as a miracle cure-all gave rise to the super-ingredient Irium. This seemingly magic element apparently had the power to make your teeth clean and white, and it could fight tooth decay too - like nothing else ever discovered. And, it was found in, and only in, Pepsodent toothpaste.