Radioactive dishes does not come out of a science fiction film, it is very real. His name intrigues, his color hypnotized, but what are we talking about exactly? And above all, is there a risk to use it?
Very popular with fans of vintage decoration and other hunters who swear through it, radioactive dishes continues to circulate in flea markets, to sleep in granaries or family buffets. But what is it exactly and how do you know if you have it at home? Our answers to your questions.
Called Uralin, this glass dishes produced between the 1930s and 1950s features yellow, green or fluorescent green shades, recognizable among a thousand. The subtlety: this color is due to the fact that the dishes in Uralin contains uranium oxide which gives it this particular color and sought after by second -hand dealers. But between copies and received ideas on the dangerousness of this dishes, how to unravel the true from the false? If you have a doubt about one of your pieces and want to be sure that it is Uralin, a trick is to expose the dishes in Uralin in ultraviolet light.
Indeed, once exposed to this type of light, this dishes becomes phosphorescent, a sign that does not deceive as to its uranium content. This is why hunters from all backgrounds bring UV lamps when they are in search of parts in Urals, much sought after because they are sold at relatively high prices. A good reason to equip yourself with a lamp before leaving to conquer your cellars and attics!
But a question burns your lips: is it dangerous? Rest assured, the quantities of uranium used in Uralin dishes are weak and considered as non-harmful in daily exposure. That said, as a precaution, experts recommend that they do not use it every day, especially to drink or eat hot or acidic food.
Rather, they advise to use it in decoration or take it out for special events such as a Halloween evening for example! In short, if you come across this dishes with an inimitable style, no need to panic. But it is still better to handle it with a little perspective, and above all … a UV lamp in your pocket.
