The Candy Prophylactic: Danger, Disease, and Children's Candy Around 1916.

The article presents an examination of children's health in the United States in the early 20th century. It explores the relationship that existed between candy consumption and the fear of polio and discusses how American candy culture changed as a result of polio. Seen as a source of contagion, new candy wrappers began appearing that offered consumers a safer, higher-quality candy as opposed to cheaper or impure candies. The article examines socioeconomic issues related to candy consumption and explores how social issues such as hygiene and immigration became intertwined with candy consumption and the threat of polio.