In the early 1900s, radium was a scientific marvel, believed to hold miraculous healing properties. This new "wonder drug" captured the public imagination and was soon incorporated into everyday products. Moore skillfully illustrates how the allure of this glowing substance, marketed as a symbol of progress and luxury, masked its deadly reality, particularly for the unsuspecting women who handled it daily.

Faced with debilitating illnesses, the Radium Girls found strength in each other. This theme explores how these women, initially silenced and dismissed by their employers and doctors, united to challenge the powerful corporations that had exploited them. Despite facing skepticism and resistance, their unwavering courage and resilience led to groundbreaking legal battles that challenged labor laws and established workers' rights.

Moore paints a poignant picture of the human cost often hidden behind the shiny façade of industrial progress. The Radium Girls' story serves as a stark reminder of the ethical considerations that can be overlooked in the pursuit of profit and innovation. This theme raises crucial questions about corporate responsibility, worker safety, and the long-term consequences of unchecked scientific advancements.