The WW1 Horror that turned Women Yellow (Canary Girls and Babies)

WW1 munitions workers lived with constant danger - explosion! But there was also a horrific risk to their lives from a substance so poisonous it turned them (and their babies) yellow. It's impact was little known about at the beginning of conflict and was even covered up, but after many women lost their lives the government changed safety regulations - too late for many women.
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Credits: Narration - markmanningmedia.com
CC BY - Little Gillions Croxley Green parlour maid, The munitions girls by Wellcome Collection; The Great War - Peace without Victory by U.S. Army
CC BY-SA - Shelled TNT - one of the products of the plant by Nitrochem; Yellow eye by Def Dok
Canary on a perch by Videvo.com, Bullets falling and bouncing by Videezy.com
#CanaryGirl #CanaryGirls #CanaryGirlWw1 #ww1MunitionsFactory #ww1MunitionsFactoryYellowSkin #ww1Documentary #ww1History #wwiDocumentary #HistoryDocumentary #FactFeast

[@FactFeast]

Enjoy this content? Please like, and share it out wherever you can 📲 It really is a big help to grow audience. Thank you 👍

[@FactFeast]

Thanks for sharing.

[@FactFeast]

Very interesting. Such a high failure rate.

[@akaroth7542]

I'm a machinist. Some of the chemicals , especially solvents, used up to 20 years ago in America were horrendous and would absorb through skin into your organs. Even rubbing alcohol over time will damage your nerves.

[@dylvasey]

You do reaIise most American foods are stiII banned in the EU and Europe generaIIy right? I wouIdn't be taIking as if what you do for a Iiving was hazardous 20 years ago when what you put in your mouth currentIy is known to cause many more heaIth probIems.

[@geigertec5921]

During the panedmic people used alot more alchohol on their skin. Wonder how bad the statistical uptick of alcohol-absorbtion induced disability will end up being.

[@HVS-gk7oo]

@@geigertec5921 People working in health care were using alcohol on their skin several times every day way before the pandemic. Wonder how that differes from people who don't have to sanitize all the time in their profession. A medical doctor should be able to give us some info bout that.

[@moogdome2562]

Reminds me of the radium girls, and what radium did to their bodies.i wasn't aware of there canary girls. So sad. Thank you.

[@FactFeast]

Yes, that was also terrible! Thanks for your comment.

[@geigertec5921]

The radium girls were like the canary girls only instead of being yellow they were green and glowed in the dark - they should have been called the firefly girls.

[@bridgethannah2933]

I thought the same thing. They were kept in ignorance.

[@thehangingparsiple5692]

@@geigertec5921 there's a sad and quite well documented story of a girl from 19th century who turned green from the by-product of the ingredients used to make green dye in clothes and wallpaper.

[@dianemarrah3504]

I am glad you showed the photos of the women killed in factories so that their sacrifice will not go unknown.😢

[@FactFeast]

There were many more victims, but these were the women I was able to show. Thank you for your comment.

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

It is shocking that you don't have ten times, at least, of subscribers as you do now. Everyone's missing out on high class quality of education and entertainment. You're truly a setter of high standards for history channels. I'm going to stop gushing now...but I hope I will see your channel grow to the magnitude your efforts deserve.

[@FactFeast]

This one took quite a bit of research, so I’m glad you are as interested in the topics as I am, thank you! Sharing the videos is always a big help to grow audience. I’m grateful for your comment and support.

[@jerseylife8701]

Same here, I love his content.

[@kimpreston3628]

I so enjoy learning new things. Your videos never disappoint. Both men and women made sacrifices during the war.

[@FactFeast]

That’s really appreciated. Thank you for being a regular viewer!

[@canadian_american84]

Thank you for putting a face on them...they deserve to be known

[@FactFeast]

I'm glad you think telling their story was worthwhile. Thank you for your comment! I

[@bridgethannah2933]

I had never heard of this. Sad and interesting. Good editing with the pictures of those who tragically lost their lives because of “misadventure.”

[@FactFeast]

I’m glad you found the documentary interesting. There were many more victims than shown here, unfortunately.

[@ahuddleston6512]

Yeah! I'm getting my regular Sunday fix of History! Keep them coming! 👍

[@FactFeast]

Was this an interesting topic?

[@ahuddleston6512]

@@FactFeast most definitely, but heartbreaking too. Those poor ladies.😔

[@alancrane4693]

@@FactFeast yes! I will admit I'm not a lover of current government why is that. The horrific conditions of ww1 those sacrifices and terrible death's of our ancestors and then ww2 of all that suffering a new state was built! welfare for the poor,free health service for all,better working conditions and rights for workers and social housing! Caring government's but now it is all been ripped apart by politicians who want to go back to Victorian times and sticking their fingers up to our ancestors who paid the ultimate price. Thank you for your great history video's I hope more people watch them and help them think of all those terrible death's and suffering our ancestors went through.

[@paulineclark2743]

@@alancrane4693 yes Alan I agree with your comments. Real hardworking women and their health was not really important, plenty more where they came from. God rest their souls.

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

I think this is the first time I've been shocked by the content of one of your vids. I have a reasonable general knowledge of that period of history but somehow I've never read much about the Canary Girls. I knew they turned yellow, and that they got the highest pay for women performing war service. (It was still, as you said, far lower than a man's pay for the same job,) I thought though that there was just a slight chance of being in an explosion, and I had no idea of the health risks. I also thought the yellow skin tone was literally skin deep, so the main hazard was embarassment. Thank you very much for your research and excellent production. I am always impressed by your presentations but this one stands out. It was most respectful of you to show the photos of some of the victims and I thank you for doing it. I really learnt a lot this time. As always., Kudos...but this time multiples of them! Thanks again.

[@FactFeast]

Thank you! I’m glad you found value in this documentary. It’s a difficult subject, but one I found interesting to research and wanted to present.

[@sarahclosser914]

I wish Ken burns would work with you on a larger project. I just love what you do!!!!

[@FactFeast]

I’m just a very small channel I’m sure he’s never heard of compared to a famous filmmaker, but it’s kind of you to say, thank you.

[@geigertec5921]

Men: I wish the shelling would stop. Women: Come on ladies, our men need more shells!

[@mijiyoon5575]

Horrific ... Men sacrificed on the battlefield & women in the factories.

[@stormy439]

My goodness, this was shocking, sad, but very informative. Thankyou for showing these strong beautiful women who stepped up for their country and paid the ultimate price. They should be remembered & honored!

[@FactFeast]

They should definitely be remembered. Thank you, I'm glad you found value in watching.

[@alancrane4693]

Another fantastic history video,A great achievement of the women of ww1 and ww2. With those horrific sacrifices those women helping to create votes for all ie male female and class didn't matter of the right to vote. Welfare state NHS social housing. women dying in factories men dying on the front those sacrifices should not be forgotten and we the people of today should not allow New government's to rip up those foundation's of worker's rights NHS welfare ect. Don't let our ancestors die in such horrific conditions for Nothing!!

[@FactFeast]

Thanks for your comment. I'm glad you found this subject of value. Although a little later, the story of 'radium girls' is also terrible.

[@whiteonggoy7009]

Thinking now of mercury used long ago to stiffen hat felt,the use in time made some people go mad.Thus the name mad hatter in alice in wonderland,Interesting upload Sir many thanks.

[@MiTBender]

Fascinating!

[@FactFeast]

Glad you found it worthwhile! Thank you very much.

[@bluebethlehem]

Is there a memorial in English recognizing the sacrifice these women made for their country?

[@johnconlon9652]

There should be. Awful way to die, I can assure you.

[@danielfrancis3660]

Government of the time didn't care

[@alancrane4693]

Nothing changes then

[@johnconlon9652]

They might have done. I don't think doctors at that time understood the cause, until it was too late for so many young women. Yet another tragedy of war.

[@Khatoon170]

Last and most important part of my research historical context since most working age men were joining military to fight in war women were required to take on factory jobs by end of war almost three million women working in factories worked for long hours for low pay . Munitions work involved mixing explosive filling shells and bullets effect of working with tnt shells were with mixture of tnt explosives and cordite these. Ingredients were known to be hazardous to health they were mixed by hand contact with workers skin cause yellow pigmentation not only uk female munitions workers affected by. Tnt but also babies hundreds of babies were born with slightly yellow skin color because of their mothers exposure to dangerous chemical nothing could be done at that time but discoloration slowly faded with time thank you for giving us chance to read learn new information best wishes for you your family and friends

[@FactFeast]

Thank you for your comment. I’m glad you found value in watching the documentary.

[@johnconlon9652]

These unfortunate young women were almost certainly suffering from hepatitis caused by the chemicals they were handling; with short exposure, they might recover. Longer exposure causing hepatic failure. I suffered jaundice meself in 1956, Hepatitis "A". Bloody awful. As a medical student in the 60s, the yellow colour that affected these women was attributed to the aniline compounds used in the production of explosives on the skin. How wrong we were.

[@jessikatkins1173]

And how they must have suffered! I too suffered Hepatitis A when I was 15, and though it's a very recoverable disease it is absolutely awful. I also contracted Hepatitis C from a blood product after giving birth. Point being, we both know the misery of Hepatitis but imagine the extra pain and suffering they went through with all the added symptoms of poisoning. It's opened my eyes as I've not really given much if any thought to the women left behind in the Great War. Very, very sad indeed. And a big thank you to this channel for highlighting it so well.

[@Rippenhengst]

I worked as a nurse most oft my adult life in Germany. I contracted Hepatitis A, B and C during this time. Always due to undiagnosed patients, B and C through elderly peoples who suffered form dementia. They sometimes were very aggressive or schizophrenic, grabbed the syringe and rammed it in our flesh. Until today patients don't get tested when they're hositalized. The hospitals don't have enough money, we've been told. I wonder why it's possible that hospital staff can be tested for Covid today, but not for all the other dangerous infections, before your're allowed to be admitted.

[@jessikatkins1173]

@@Rippenhengst You know...I've never even thought about the diseases patients could have, and the risk to the care givers/nurses. That is absolutely shocking that you were infected with all three strains. And I do hope you have had successful treatment for the C as I have. Hep C is no longer a death sentence. 🤞🏻👍🏻

[@deadfishparty]

The ol’ “We did our best with what we knew at the time” still gets used today when the repercussions show up 10-20 years later.

[@negativeionz]

Fantastic content. Keep it up.

[@FactFeast]

Much appreciated! Glad it was of interest.

[@Perfidious_Hollow]

Thanks for the vid!

[@FactFeast]

Cheers! 🙂

[@Khatoon170]

How are you doing sir thank you for your wonderful cultural documentary channel actually all of us know world war 11 ( 1939 - 1945) when bomber dropped world first atomic bomb over Japanese Hiroshima and Nagasaki explosion killed 80 , 000 people tens of thousands more later die of radiation exposure birth defects among survivors genetic defects . But really I didn’t have about this topic as always iam gathering key points about topics you mentioned briefly here it’s canary girls were British women who worked in munitions manufacturing trinitrotoluene ( tnt) during First World War ( 1914 - 1918 ) the nickname arose because exposure tnt toxic and repeated exposure can turn skin orang e yellow

[@terrielouisemisell8237]

I love these snippets of history😍

[@FactFeast]

Great! Nice to know you found value in this.

[@jimhunt8062]

Thank video is best one real eye opener Great bit of history respect to all the female who worked in the factory s

[@FactFeast]

Yes, they had hard work and harsh conditions. Thanks for your comment.

[@paulhemingway9149]

In the 1960s there was a chemical works called Mirvale Chemicals in Mirfield West Yorkshire. Even in the 60s and early 70s staff often complained about the Yellow Peril. As a young boy you could spot people who worked there due to their skins yellow tinge. Also a chemical odour. Mirfield Chemicals allways advertised itself as a fertiliser works. After watching this channel I've just realised the connection. Amoniam Nitrate. Used in Fertiliser and expensives. 👍 👍

[@Imintune...]

Just as bad as the radium girls.

[@FactFeast]

Also terrible!

[@sallymander7863]

My grandma worked at Chilwell but in a different part of the factory. She had to go home, to Ilkeston, in her overall as her locker and clothes were destroyed. We still her locker key.

[@FactFeast]

This is an interesting story. Thank you for sharing!

[@workonesabs]

Hence why the area is called Canary Wharf, and worked on the new Crossrail station a few years ago.

[@janetpendlebury6808]

The origins behind the name 'Canary Wharf' come from the quay where vegetables and fruits from the Canary Islands were unloaded

[@MsAhmebah2000]

Similar to Radium girls' poisoning

[@tomhayes4782]

My gran was a Canary....

[@FactFeast]

Interesting - do you know where she worked?

[@tomhayes4782]

@@FactFeast Woolwich Arsenal.

[@FactFeast]

There are some photos from Woolwich Arsenal in the video. I hope your grandmother didn’t suffer.

[@kaleahcollins4567]

Miss Lottie died on my daughter's birthday October 11 th and her autopsy was on my other daughter's birthday the 16th of October

[@capt.bart.roberts4975]

Why didn't they rotate people in and out of the tnt production.

[@FactFeast]

Towards the end of the war there was a two week restriction for the duration of work on any process involving TNT.

[@alicerivierre]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@FactFeast]

Thanks for watching Alice!

[@englishmadcow7461]

And equality in pay n life in general is still lacking. I hope the heavy work in munitions n similar was rotated to minimise injuries and accidents. I always wonder if my female ancestors were involved and what their experiences/expectations were. We have so much luxury and choice of foods/goods etc as a result of the sacrifices made in the past. Especially during war. We must never forget.

[@sarah3796]

Yikes

[@capt.bart.roberts4975]

Halogenated hydrocarbons will not do your liver any favours.

[@Khatoon170]

Sorry imean idont have any ideas

[@brianedwards7142]

These deaths would not have been counted as war dead either.

[@justrelax8465]

During the British artillery Onslaught before the start of the somme it is estimated that over 40% of the shells were duds. A fact that it reversed might have changed the outcome

[@dreamindistortion]

If I had a yellow baby I'd be sooooo popular.

[@johnconlon9652]

You might if you're female of course. Premature babies might be jaundiced.

[@keepitsimple4629]

If the women gave birth after the 1st year of the war, who impregnated them, what with all the eligible men away at war?

[@MrsBrit1]

Ineligible men, men on leave, American soldiers passing through...??

[@paulineclark2743]

The men came home on leave on rare occasions and remember their was no birth control then.

[@geigertec5921]

Probably from bees that would land on the men in the trenches and then fly back to the women in the factories.

[@johnconlon9652]

Men returning brought venereal disease, a third of british troops passing them on to wives, fiances, sweethearts ... who were treated appallingly by the "authorities".

[@janetpendlebury6808]

Not all men went away to fight, there were reserved occupations which included clergymen, farmers, doctors, teachers and certain industrial workers such as coal miners, dock workers and train drivers and iron and steel workers.

[@cathywatson7261]

Sounds like one of those stupid big pharma commercials

[@andrewdaley5480]

150 killed in sure they just went of how many were working that shift I'm sure not many actual bodies were recovered. Sadly. 🇬🇧❤️

[@donnadees1971]

Is there any karmic results? This is actionable.

[@heidichilders6007]

NOTHING OTHER COUNTRIES DIDN'T DO,!!!!!!

[@janetpendlebury6808]

That does not make it any less tragic.

[@rezzer7918]

LOL

[@citizen762]

And all the brave men who walked into a wall of bullets and artillery and we’re blown to smithereens would like to say “you’re welcome”.

[@geigertec5921]

"You're welcome" for what? It litterally made no difference which side won or lost that war. It probably would have been better if the Germans won because then Hitler would have never come to power later.