Glow May Not Be So Healthy

(From For the Record, October 2, 1997:) Fiesta-Ware: Only orange-colored Fiesta-Ware dinnerware sold in the 1930s was made with glazes containing uranium. A story in Tuesday’s newspaper about radioactive products failed to note that modern Fiesta-Ware is not radioactive, regardless of color.

The warm glow of home could be from the Brazil nuts on the table.

The meaty nuts can make a Geiger counter jump, as can some cat litter, jewelry and glossy magazines. Scientists say the mildly radioactive products pose little risk, as long as they’re used sensibly.

Here are some other radioactive products, according to the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education:

Television sets, particularly color sets made in the late 1960s.

Smoke detectors that rely on ionization to detect smoke. Little of the radioactivity escapes properly manufactured detectors.

Orange-colored Fiesta-Ware plates, bowls and cups. The ceramic glaze contains uranium. Scientists say collectors should not use the dinnerware, particularly with acidic foods.

Porcelain dentures. It’s uranium that gives the fake teeth their fluorescence.

Some mantles for gas lanterns. Those that glow brightest are made by dipping a nylon or silk mesh bag in thorium. Radiation releases are slight after an hour or two of burning; still, experts advise campers to wash their hands after replacing mantles.

Some optical lenses used for eyeglasses, cameras and binoculars. Most common in pink-tinted eyeglasses made during the 1970s.

Tobacco. Probably from the phosphate fertilizers used on tobacco fields.

Salt substitutes. Some of the potassium used to replace sodium chloride is naturally radioactive.

, DataTimes