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.