Is Uranium Glass Dangerous? Here’s How To Spot the Radioactive Glassware

Glass collectors and museum curators might be familiar with a rare type of glass known as uranium glass which has unique yellow-green color and can glow when exposed to ultraviolet light. Also known as vaseline glass, these items are formed by adding small amounts of the silvery-white element uranium before they are molten.

Identifying a Real Uranium Glass

The metallic chemical has been a coloring agent since A.D. 79 when yellow glassware was made with 1% uranium oxide. Since the 1830s, uranium has been used as a colorant for other items such as ceramic glazes, enamels, and photography tinting. During the early 20^th century, some glassware contained high amounts of uranium, reaching up to 25%. The radioactive properties of this element were not recognized until 1866, and in the 1940s, the adverse effects of its radioactivity were fully understood.

The easiest method to recognize a uranium glass is to look at it under ultraviolet light. Real uranium glass tends to glow a rich green color. However, the brightness of its color will depend on the amount of uranium contained in the material.

If you do not have access to ultraviolet light, other factors can be used to determine if glassware is made from uranium glass. One of these aspects is the age of the glassware. Since the uranium glass industry became prevalent during the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, it can be assumed that old glass collections from these eras contain uranium.

A glass piece with yellow or green color could also be considered uranium glass. Moreover, a uranium glass has an oily sheen observed upon running the fingers over it.

Is Uranium Glass Dangerous?

Most people express their concern regarding the safety of handling uranium glass. Uranium is known for being a naturally occurring radioactive element, so it can be alarming to see that it is present in this glassware.

It is confirmed that uranium glass is indeed radioactive as measured by the Geiger counter, a device used to detect radiations' presence and intensity. However, its radioactivity is very low and generally considered safe.

Due to the presence of uranium, uranium glass is considered radioactive, but its level of radioactivity is very low. Since the added uranium in each glassware is present only in small amounts,n it will not pose any negative health impact. It is safe to store one at home as long as it is used and handled correctly.

In 2001, an extensive study was done by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which revealed that the amount of radiation exposure caused by uranium glass to its owner is only four millirems per year. This is equivalent to 1% of the radiation an average person is exposed to yearly. From these figures, experts assume that it is even safer to own a uranium glass than many household electronics proven to emit radiation.

Despite this, it is still recommended not to eat or drink out of uranium glassware because a person may ingest small amounts of radioactive material.