Muichiro.T
Active member
In 1924, inventor Thomas Midgley Jr. made headlines by pouring lead additive on his hands and inhaling its fumes to promote his breakthrough: tetraethyl lead, which reduced engine knocking but was highly toxic. Despite early warnings about lead poisoning, it became a commercial success and contributed to severe health issues worldwide. Later, Midgley invented CFCs for refrigeration, which, while initially hailed as safe, ended up damaging the ozone layer. Although he was celebrated during his lifetime, Midgley’s inventions left lasting environmental and health problems. He died in 1944, possibly by suicide, tangled in a device he created to help with his polio-related disabilities. His story reflects the early 20th-century focus on progress without considering long-term consequences. 
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