Perhaps the most "infamous" incidence of radiation-induced illness involved:

The incident involving women who painted watch dials is indeed a well-documented and significant case of radiation-induced illness. In the early 20th century, female factory workers in the United States painted luminous watch dials using a type of paint that contained radium. They were often encouraged to use a technique known as "lip-pointing," where they would moisten the brush with their lips, leading to internal exposure to radium.

This exposure resulted in severe health issues, including bone necrosis, dental problems, and other ailments associated with radiation poisoning. The long-term effects experienced by these women highlighted the dangers of radium and raised public awareness about occupational health and safety regulations. This led to important changes in industrial safety practices and regulations regarding hazardous materials. The story of these women is a reminder of the historical neglect of worker safety, which is why it is often regarded as one of the most notorious examples of radiation exposure leading to significant health consequences.