“Radium” Nutex Condoms

“Radium” Nutex condoms were manufactured by The Nutex Company who were based at 322 S. Seventh Street, Philadelphia, PA

The trademark name Nutex had been in use since at least 1927 but it isn’t quite clear when they started making “Radium” condoms which cost 50 cents for a packet of three or a dozen for $1.50 

Two empty tins of Nutex Radium Condoms

“Radium” Nutex Condoms circa 1930s From the collection of Lucy Jane Santos. Credit: Lucy Jane Santos/Museum of Radium

Whilst very little is known about “Radium” Nutex condoms we do know one thing THEY WERE NOT RADIOACTIVE.

Nutex makes no claim in their advertising materials regarding the radioactivity of the condoms nor the addition of any radioactive materials.

Instead, it is likely that the intention was to play on radium’s association with health, virality and quality. You can read more about this link in Half Lives: The Unlikely History of Radium

Whilst there was no question about their radioactivity the company’s claims did get them into trouble:

The back view of two empty tins of Nutex Radium Condoms

“Radium” Nutex Condoms circa 1930s From the collection of Lucy Jane Santos. Credit: Lucy Jane Santos/Museum of Radium

‘The prophylactics contained in this package are warranted to be absolutely reliable. Your druggist pays more for “Nutex” because each and every one is air-blown tested to assure positive protection, and put through special processes to gain great sensitiveness.’

The Federal Trade Commission, who investigated Nutex in 1940, declared that the company’s claims were ‘false and misleading’: especially their claims that the product ‘was absolutely perfect, would afford protection, and would be efficacious for the prevention of disease.’

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