Mining in [[uranium ore|uranium]] mines took place here between 1939 and 1964, for nuclear projects of Nazis and Communists facilities. It was proven that the uranium mined here was used in the [[German nuclear weapons program]] in their ultimately unsuccessful quest to build a [[nuclear reactor]].<ref>{{cite web |title="Heisenberg-Würfel" verrät Details über Hitlers Atomprogramm|url=https://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/mensch/nuklear-forensik-heisenberg-wuerfel-verraet-details-ueber-hitlers-atomprogramm-a-614227.html|publisher=[[Der Spiegel (online)]]|language=de|date=2009-03-19|access-date=2022-01-06}}</ref> In times of Nazi occupation and Communism large [[Labor camp|prison camp]]s were established in the town and around it. Soviet prisoners of war first worked here, and after 1948 political and other prisoners. Opponents of the new regime ([[Stalinism]]) were forced to mine uranium ore under very harsh conditions: the average [[life expectancy]] in Jáchymov at this period was 42 years. [[Uranium mining]] ceased in 1964.
The mines today (with the exception of Svornost) are no longer in operation and, for example, in the Eduard mine complex there is now a sports complex with a biathlon shooting range. The [[radioactivity|radioactive]] [[thermal spring]]s which arise in the Svornost mine are used under the supervision of doctors for the treatment of patients with nervous and [[rheumatic disorder]]s. They make use of the constantly produced radioactive gas [[radon]] (<sup>222</sup>Rn) dissolved in the water, see [[Health effects of radon#Intentional exposure|Radon therapy]].
[[File:Jachimov radom palace.jpg|thumb|Radium Palace]]
In 1864, a spring of [[radon]] water was discovered in Jáchymov. Worlds first radon [[spa]] was founded here in 1906, joining the famous spas of the region, including [[Karlovy Vary]], [[Františkovy Lázně]], and [[Mariánské Lázně]].<ref name=cro>{{cite web |title=Jáchymov – the oldest radon spa in the world|url=https://english.radio.cz/best-spas-czech-republic-8721557/5|publisher=[[Czech Radio]]|date=2021-07-30|access-date=2022-01-13}}</ref><ref name=water>{{cite web |title=Radonová voda aktivuje imunitní systém|url=https://www.nase-voda.cz/radonova-voda-aktivuje-imunitni-system/|publisher=Naše voda|language=cs|access-date=2022-01-13}}</ref>▼
The spa is one of the most unique spas in the world. The uniqueness lies in the extraordinary healing effects of tens of thousands of years old natural water with the highest concentration of radon in Europe, thanks to which it even pays for the most effective spa in Europe.<ref name=cro/><ref name=water/>
▲InThe 1864,mines atoday spring(with the exception of [[radon]]Svornost) waterare wasno discoveredlonger in Jáchymovoperation with the former mine complexes being redeveloped for use as sports complexes, spas and other purposes. WorldsThe world's first radon [[spa]] was founded herein Jáchymov in 1906, joining the famousexisting spas of the region,includingsuch as [[Karlovy Vary]], [[Františkovy Lázně]], and [[Mariánské Lázně]].<ref name=cro>{{cite web |title=Jáchymov – the oldest radon spa in the world|url=https://english.radio.cz/best-spas-czech-republic-8721557/5|publisher=[[Czech Radio]]|date=2021-07-30|access-date=2022-01-13}}</ref><ref name=water>{{cite web |title=Radonová voda aktivuje imunitní systém|url=https://www.nase-voda.cz/radonova-voda-aktivuje-imunitni-system/|publisher=Naše voda|language=cs|access-date=2022-01-13}}</ref> Making use of the high radon content of the local water, the facility markets itself as a health resort for various ailments based on the widely discredited theory that [[Radiation hormesis|exposure to low-level radiation has health benefits]].
Musculoskeletal system is treated here with radon bath. The treatment focuses mainly on joint diseases, neurological diseases, skin diseases, and [[ankylosing spondylitis]]. The radon baths further improve conditions of patients with diabetes or [[gout]] and conditions after injuries and operations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Co se léčí v lázních Jáchymov|url=https://www.laznejachymov.cz/co-lecime/|publisher=Léčebné lázně Jáchymov a.s.|language=cs|access-date=2022-01-13}}</ref>
