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Harold Rosenthal Papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: WUA-03-wua00041

This collection includes biographical information on Harold Rosenthal, correspondence, conference notes, publications, and research material related to the effects of nuclear fallout. The material is arranged alphabetically by subject.

Dates

  • Creation: 1954-1977

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Open

Conditions Governing Use

Users of the collection must read and agree to abide by the rules and procedures set forth in the Materials Use Policies.

Providing access to materials does not constitute permission to publish or otherwise authorize use. All publication not covered by fair use or other exceptions is restricted to those who have permission of the copyright holder, which may or may not be Washington University.

If you wish to publish or license Special Collections materials, please contact Special Collections to inquire about copyright status at (314) 935-5495 or spec@wumail.wustl.edu. (Publish means quotation in whole or in part in seminar or term papers, theses or dissertations, journal articles, monographs, books, digital forms, photographs, images, dramatic presentations, transcriptions, or any other form prepared for a limited or general public.)

Extent

3 linear feet

3 boxes

Biographical or Historical Information

Harold Rosenthal served as chair in the Physiological Chemistry Department of the Washington University School of Dentistry.

While his research and teaching interests were quite varied and expansive, his most memorable contribution was the development of a pivotal series of tests designed to determine the long-term health effects of nuclear fallout from world-wide atomic weapons testing.  These tests were conducted under the auspices of the St. Louis Baby Tooth Survey that ran from 1959 to 1963.

Rosenthal was particularly interested in investigating the alarmingly high concentration of Strontium 90 (Sr90 [a calcium-imitating byproduct of nuclear fallout]) found in the deciduous teeth and developing bones of children.        

His efforts -- like those of his colleagues performing similar work world-wide --  sparked great public interest and stimulated governmental debate regarding the effects of nuclear fallout, eventually bringing about the demise of wide-scale atomic weapons testing above ground.

Method of Acquisition

This material was donated to the University Archives by Harold Rosenthal in 1999.

Processing Information

Processed by Jay Kempen in December 2002. Updated by Sarah Pabarcus in February 2006.

Title
Harold Rosenthal Papers
Description rules
dacs
Language of description
eng

Revision Statements

  • 2020 November 18: Resource record updated in ArchiveSpace by Sarah Schnuriger.

Collecting Area Details

Part of the University Archives Collecting Area

Contact:
Sonya Rooney
Olin Library, 1 Brookings Drive
MSC 1061-141-B
St. Louis MO 63130 US
(314) 935-5495