Radium paint – does that mean dangerous?
If so, what is the safest way to dispose of them please?:apologetic:
The radium paint can break down and emit higher levels of radiation over time. If the gauge is well sealed, with good glass and seals, it might not emit much at all outside the gauge. The only way to tell is to check them with a dosimeter. eBay often has cheap ones for around the $100 mark.
A well sealed gauge will emit hardly any more than background radiation, but often, ones that leak emit around 400-500 times background radiation measured directly at the glass face. Usually, they stop reading abnormal levels about 1.5 to 2 metres away. The most danger is when people dismantle them for cleaning etc.. In that situation, the broken down paint is in the form of a fine dust and can come into direct skin contact, or be inhaled.
Disposal would depend on local legislation, but it pays to test them if you know someone with a dosimeter. Otherwise you might throw away a perfectly good gauge.
Cheers, Willie.
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