Karen Silkwood
Labor union activist and whistleblower
Born
February 19th, 1946
79 years ago
Died
November 13th, 1974
50 years ago — 28 years old
Category
Activists & Humanitarians
Country
United States
Links & References
Worked as a plant worker at Kerr-McGee plutonium processing plant in Cimarron, Oklahoma. Raised concerns about unsafe working conditions and contamination, which led to her involvement with the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union. Conducted investigations into worker health issues and exposure to radioactive materials. Died in a car accident under suspicious circumstances while en route to deliver evidence to a New York Times reporter, prompting further inquiries and public interest in worker safety and nuclear regulation.
Advocated for worker safety conditions
Exposed health hazards related to nuclear materials
Posthumously inspired the 1983 film 'Silkwood'
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