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Strange History

“Guinea Pigs in Chains”: A History of Medical Experiments on Prisoners

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Cold War Radiation Testing

Cold War Radiation Testing
Cold War-era scientists operate bulky radiation equipment while guarded prison test subjects wait anxiously behind protective glass barriers. | Photo by Unknown (Unknown) on Wikimedia Commons

During the Cold War, prisoners in the United States were unwitting participants in secret radiation experiments sponsored by government agencies. Inmates were exposed to radioactive substances to study the effects on human health, often without full disclosure or consent. These experiments, later revealed by investigative committees, highlighted the vulnerability of incarcerated populations to exploitation. Extensive details can be found through the Advisory Committee on Human Radiation Experiments.

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