On this day: February 3
First Confirmed Human Case of Radiation Sickness Identified, February 3, 1946
On February 3, 1946, physicians documented what is widely recognized as the first confirmed human case of acute radiation sickness—linked to early medical and industrial x-ray exposures and wartime atomic testing—marking a pivotal moment in occupational and public health history.
A 1946 Diagnosis: The First Documented Human Case of Radiation Sickness
On February 3, 1946, physicians in the United States reported what is widely regarded as the first documented clinical diagnosis of acute radiation sickness in a human, marking a turning point in medical recognition of ionizing radiation’s dangers.
First Confirmed Case of Plague in Modern Europe: Marseille, 1720
On February 3, 1720, Marseille recorded the first confirmed case of bubonic plague in Europe in the early modern period, a single infection that heralded a devastating outbreak—the Great Plague of Marseille—that would kill tens of thousands and reshape local public health responses.
CIA Acknowledges Cold War LSD Experiments on Civilians
On Feb. 3, 1977, the CIA publicly confirmed it had administered LSD to unwitting civilians as part of Cold War-era research into mind control and interrogation techniques, revelations that intensified debate over ethical and legal oversight of intelligence programs.
Three Musicians Die in 1959 Plane Crash Near Clear Lake, Iowa
On Feb. 3, 1959, rock-and-roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson were killed when their small charter plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Clear Lake, Iowa, a tragedy later dubbed “The Day the Music Died.”
Plane crash on Feb. 3, 1959, kills Buddy Holly and two other musicians
On February 3, 1959, a small charter plane carrying rock-and-roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson crashed shortly after takeoff near Clear Lake, Iowa, killing all on board and marking a turning point in popular music history.
1951 Recall: First Confirmed Case of a Dangerous Children's Toy
On February 3, 1951, U.S. authorities publicly confirmed the first recorded recall of a hazardous children’s toy after reports linked a popular lead-painted toy to poisoning incidents, prompting manufacturers and regulators to act.