Figure 1.

Syphilis: Menace to Industry, 1936‐1940

This poster illustrates the importance to workers to maintain their health and avoid contracting syphilis. Workers with syphilis who develop complications with motor skills may lose their job and/or be unable to complete their work duties, thereby compromising industrial productivity. Workers with syphilis can also harm others if they cause an accident at work as a result of an impairment. During the Great Depression, concerns about the national recovery resonated with Americans. (Image from Erin Wuebker, Library of Congress, Venereal Disease Visual History Archive, http://vdarchive.newmedialab.cuny.edu/exhibits/show/exhibits/introduction.)