Answer to Question #5499 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Q

I recently purchased an antique aladdin alacite lamp. I found out it was made with uranium in the glass and it does show green with a black light. I am concerned about whether it's safe to have it around or not.

A

Your antique lamp could indeed contain some uranium which was used in
pottery glazes and glasses to impart orange, yellow, and green color.
However, other elements could produce a green fluorescence under the
black light. A better and more definitive test would be to monitor it
with a Geiger counter or similar sensitive instrument. However, in any
case, assuming it does contain uranium, the amount is likely to be but
a very small percentage and, being bound up in the glass, not hazardous
from the standpoint of getting into the body. Uranium is only weakly
radioactive, and, as a heavy metal, its chemical toxicity, which is on
the order of that of lead, is the predominant hazard. So acting on the
assumption that your lamp does in fact contain uranium, the hazard from
it (that is, the uranium) would be comparable to the hazard from a
similar amount of lead. And, of course, leaded glass or crystal is
nothing to be concerned about. Were it mine, I would display that
beautiful antique lamp with pride and enjoy viewing it.




Ron Kathren, CHP




Editor's Note: See Ask the Experts Q1583 for more about radioactive ceramics.