Doramad Radioactive Toothpaste

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2021-06-18 11:00:05

Doramad Radioactive Toothpaste (Doramad Radioaktive Zahncreme) was produced in Germany by Auergesellschaft of Berlin from the 1920s through World War II.[1]

The toothpaste was slightly radioactive because it contained small amounts of thorium obtained from monazite sands.[1][2] Auergesellschaft used thorium and rare earths in making industrial products including mantles for gas lanterns; the toothpaste was produced as a byproduct.[1] Its radioactive content was promoted as imparting health benefits, including antibacterial action and a contribution to strengthening the "defenses of teeth and gums".[1][2]

According to the manufacturers marketing materials, it was said to work due to the biological properties of the thorium increasing the circulation of the blood in the gums, destroying germs, and increasing the life force in the tissues of the mouth.[3]

During the German military administration in occupied France during World War II, one group of German scientists stole all the thorium they could while in occupied France. The Alsos Mission thought they were using the heavy elements for the refinement of uranium to be used in an atomic bomb, but they were only interested in using the thorium after the war in a patented brand of German toothpaste.[4]