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Answer to Question #5207 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Environmental and Background Radiation — Antiques The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
A couple of years ago, I broke an antique (circa early 20th century) gas lantern mantle in our house, and it contained a bit of fluid which I then cleaned up from the floor. Recently I learned that gas mantles of that type contain thorium. Would significant exposure arise from handling the broken lantern and inhaling its vapors? Did earlier versions of these mantles contain more radioactivity than the new models? Is there anything more that I need to do in order to test the site of the spill for radioactivity? I found some information at Oak Ridge Associated Universities Radioactive Consumer Products Web page but any perspective that you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
A
While early gas lantern mantles likely contained thorium, a naturally occurring radioactive element, the amount of radioactivity in a lantern mantle was quite small and not harmful even if ingested into the body. From your description of the event, there is absolutely no cause for concern on your part, and given that thorium compounds are largely insoluble, there was probably nothing of concern in the liquid. Thorium is no longer used in lantern mantles, which use compounds of other nonradioactive elements such as cerium. So don't worry; other than normal cleanup, there is no need to test or otherwise treat the site of the spill. Ron Kathren
Answer posted on 20 February 2006. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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