The hunt for Marie Curie's radioactive fingerprints in Paris

Marie Curie was a pioneering scientist who worked with radioactive materials over a century ago. She handled these substances with her bare hands, which left behind faint radioactive traces on many objects in her laboratory and office in Paris. Sophie Hardach visited the Curie Museum to explore these lingering radioactive fingerprints using a Geiger counter, a device that detects radiation. She found traces on a 100-year-old doorknob, the back of Marie Curie's chair, and even on archived notes and books. Although the radiation levels are low and safe, these traces provide a unique glimpse into the working conditions of one of history's greatest scientists.

Marie Curie and her husband Pierre discovered two new radioactive elements, radium and polonium, after years of hard work in a small, poorly equipped shed behind a university. They crushed and processed uranium ore without any safety measures, exposing themselves to harmful radiation unknowingly. Despite the risks, they were driven by curiosity and hope that their discoveries could help treat diseases like cancer. Today, scientists use strict safety protocols and advanced equipment to handle radioactive materials safely, a stark contrast to the early days of radioactivity research.

The Curie Museum preserves many of Marie Curie's belongings, some of which still carry faint radioactive contamination. Experts carefully monitor these items to ensure they pose no health risks to visitors or staff. While some contaminated objects have been removed or destroyed for safety reasons, many traces remain as important historical artifacts. These radioactive marks tell the story of Marie Curie's dedication and the early challenges of studying radioactivity. The museum stands as a bridge between the past and present, inspiring current researchers who continue to work in the same building complex.