The "Radium fountains"

From 1904 in France, Pierre Curie and Albert Laborde, his collaborator in the laboratory of the rue Cuvier, were interested in thermal waters. Indeed, their therapeutic properties, some of which have been known since ancient times, continued to intrigue. The radioactivity rate of many of them turns out to be higher than normal. From there to deducting that their therapeutic qualities came from radioactivity, there was only a step which thermal spas and companies of spring water did not hesitate to cross: the radioactivity became a selling point for convince their customers and attract new spa guests.

The benefits, real or supposed, attributed to thermal waters caused some industrialists in the interwar period to develop devices capable of reproducing these radioactive properties in tap water. Radium emanatory, also called “Radium fountain” or “Radium coffeepot”, allowed water to circulate through a radium salt capsule which released radon. The water was then “radioactivated”. This is the same principle as for the thermal waters that absorb radon in contact with subterranean rocks before re-emerging on the surface. A “radium fountain” allowed people to find or to extend at home the therapeutic action of a spa. The radioactive dose was however much higher than in thermal water, and therefore more dangerous. The Radiation measurement service of the Radium Institute of Paris which managed Marie Curie delivered certificates for the amount of radioactivity, giving industrialists the support of a renowned scientific institution.

The “radioactive” water coming from these “radium fountains” ccould be used in various ways, detailed in the instruction notes of these devices. It was possible to drink it ; it was recommended to follow a 21-day course of treatment separated by one week intervals, repeatable 2 to 3 times. It was also recommended to take baths with “radioactive” water 2 to 3 times a week, repeated 2 weeks later. These recommendations persisted for more than a decade during the years 1930-1940. It was not until the end of WWII that “radium fountains” were no longer produced. The image of radioactivity was gradually tarnished. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to find some of these devices in basements, attics or flea markets. Like any object containing radioactive material, they must be handled with care. It is important not to open them and to contact the Agence nationale pour la gestion des déchets radioactifs (ANDRA) that takes care of this dangerous material.