Paul Adrian Brodeur Jr.: The Investigative Science Writer
Paul Adrian Brodeur Jr. (May 16, 1931 – August 2, 2023) was a prominent American investigative science writer and author whose work significantly impacted public understanding of various health and environmental issues. His writings, notably featured in The New Yorker, shed light on subjects such as asbestos hazards, household detergents, ozone layer depletion, microwave radiation, and electromagnetic fields from power lines.
Early Life and Education
Paul Brodeur was born in Boston on May 16, 1931, and grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts. His mother was a teacher, and his father was an orthodontist and sculptor. He completed his education at Phillips Academy in 1949 and went on to graduate from Harvard College in 1953.
Career Highlights
Following his studies, Brodeur served in the Army Counter Intelligence Corps in West Germany. His literary journey took a significant turn when he moved to Paris, where he wrote "The Sick Fox," a short story that became his debut piece for The New Yorker in 1957. He officially joined the staff of The New Yorker in 1958 and wrote for various sections, including the Talk of the Town and Comment, along with occasional short stories.
Brodeur’s impactful contributions extended to the realm of novels as well. Notably, his novel "The Stunt Man" published in 1970 was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film with Peter O’Toole in 1980. However, his enduring influence remains linked to his investigative journalism.
Investigative Journalism and Impact
In 1968, Brodeur penned a significant article titled “The Magic Mineral” for The New Yorker, delving into the perilous history of asbestos. This pioneering article brought national attention to the dangers associated with asbestos exposure, catalyzing asbestos activism and subsequent regulations. He meticulously reported on asbestos-related hazards, revealing its widespread presence in various products and its catastrophic links to diseases like mesothelioma.
Brodeur received notable accolades for his work, including a National Magazine Award in 1974 for his extensive coverage on the closure and cleanup of a Pittsburgh Corning asbestos plant in Tyler, Texas.
Personal Life and Legacy
In his retirement, Brodeur resided in a modernist house brimming with art on the northern tip of Cape Cod, engaging in activities such as fishing. He left behind a remarkable legacy in the form of his daughter, Adrienne Brodeur, an accomplished author and program director at the Aspen Institute.
On August 2, 2023, Paul Adrian Brodeur Jr. passed away in Hyannis, Massachusetts, at the age of 92, succumbing to complications arising from pneumonia and hip replacement surgery. His contributions to investigative science writing continue to resonate and educate generations, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
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