High levels of radiation can be found when many of these devices are grouped together (e.g., in parts bins or cabinets). Large collections of radium luminous devices may be hazardous. For more information, go to the Radiation Hazards section. Over time, the radium luminous paint breaks down chemically and may no longer glow-in-the-dark but, the radium remains, given its 1,600-year half-life. If a radium luminous device is no longer luminous, is it still dangerous?Įven if the working life of the device has ended, the radium contained within the device is still radioactive, and therefore, a potential hazard remains. Potential hazards can also be caused by large collections of radium luminous devices high levels of radiation can be found when many of these devices are grouped together. As long as the device is not disassembled or tampered with, the risk of contamination is minimal. For instance, a potential danger exists from internal exposure to the radium luminous paint. The radium inside these devices is a naturally occurring radioactive nuclear substance that can be hazardous in certain circumstances. There may be no visible signs that radioactivity is present. Although it remains radioactive for thousands of years, the paint has broken down chemically over time, and so the devices may no longer glow in the dark. The radium luminous paint was often white when it was new but would typically tarnish to yellow. In general, radium luminous devices are not identified as containing radioactive materials.
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