I inherited my grandfather’s WWII compass, and had it sitting around for a long time on a shelf. I recently got a Geiger counter, and find that it’s radioactive. Around 10 microsieverts/hr. Apparently they used radium paint to make them glow in the dark. I can’t just throw it away, but I don’t want it potentially causing a danger to others in the room. Is there some sort of lead lined box I can put it in, or some kind of prevention I can do? Is there anyone experienced with this sort of thing that can offer some advice?

  • irkli@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    The beta emission is trivial and harmless. Alpha particles travel 7cm in air, glass absolutely stops it. A sheet of paper would.

    Its perfectly safe to wear.

    The paint on the watch hands contains radium and decay products but in tiny amounts. If the crystal broke wipe cup the dust with damp paper towel. Itsjust not that big a deal.

    Itvwss most dangerous to the people whomade them, exposed daily during a career. Andcl the placecthst had gallons of thecshit laying around.

    One old watch is harmless