Vintage I Gave A Tooth To Science Pinback Button Atomic Era Cold War Nuclear Pin

A rare and historically significant mid-century vintage pinback button reading I GAVE A TOOTH TO SCIENCE featuring a white atomic orbital graphic on a blue face. Given to children who donated their baby teeth to scientific research during the Cold War era.  Historical Context — The St. Louis Baby Tooth Survey:  This button was issued during the famous Baby Tooth Survey initiated in 1958 by the Greater St. Louis Citizens' Committee for Nuclear Information. Children donated their shed baby teeth to test for Strontium-90—a radioactive isotope produced by atmospheric nuclear bomb testing that was accumulating in groundwater and milk.  The overwhelming scientific evidence gathered from over 300,000 donated baby teeth proved that nuclear fallout was building up in children's bodies. This landmark study directly influenced President John F. Kennedy and the U.S. Senate to sign the historic Limited Test Ban Treaty of 1963, which banned atmospheric nuclear weapons testing.  • Front Text & Graphic: I GAVE A TOOTH TO SCIENCE with Atomic Orbital Symbol • Historical Theme: Cold War / Nuclear History / Baby Tooth Survey / Dental History   • Item Type: Celluloid / Metal Pinback Button   • Era: Late 1950s – 1960s   • Size: Approx. 7/8 inch (22 mm) diameter (slightly smaller than a U.S. quarter; see photo for scale reference)  Condition Notes: Authentic vintage condition with age-appropriate character.