Secrets of the Atomic City
This investigative piece details the health struggles of former uranium-enrichment plant workers who were exposed to toxic chemicals and radiation. It highlights their efforts to document government negligence before their health fails.
Why it matters
The story sheds light on historical corporate and government accountability regarding worker safety and environmental health hazards.
Holbrook Mohr and Mitch Weiss | The Atavist Magazine | July 2026 | 2,284 words (8 minutes)
This is an excerpt from issue no. 178, “ Toxic Lies .”
In the isolation ward of a hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, a nurse approaches Ron Fowler’s bed, cell phone extended in her hand.
Fowler’s eyes flutter open. He tugs off his oxygen tube and, with trembling fingers, accepts the phone.
“Thanks,” he whispers, before turning his attention to us—the callers.
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