Radioactive Antiques

This is a table containing uSv/hr and CPM readings of various antiques taken with my Geiger counter. Some glassware, electronics, clocks, and other antiques were made using materials such as uranium and radium for their interesting visual properties. These items were mostly produced before the general population knew the dangers of radiation. This page is meant to be a curiosity into the dangers of common household objects of years passed, and as a warning to anyone who may own some of the hotter pieces on this list.

Test Methodology

Each piece is tested with a NetIO GC10 Geiger counter utilizing the Russian SMB-20 Geiger tube. The tube itself is housed in a custom plastic enclosure that holds the tube about 2mm above the surface of the item under test. The Geiger tube remains unshielded for all tests. Readings are taken over a 2 minute period, the fist minute is to let the CPM value stabilize. The second minute I begin taking 3 readings each 30 seconds apart, the 3 readings are then averaged. The background radiation level of the test area is measured at 0.194 uSv/hr or 32 CPM. Any reading below 40 CPM can be considered negligible over background radiation levels and within margin of error. While great accuracy is not necessary for these test, I like to standardize the process as much as possible. Please note that these readings are not a definitive measurement. Geiger counters and dosimeters will vary from device to device in their construction and calibration. Different individual samples of the same product can also have varying levels of radioactivity.

For more information about my Geiger counter, please go here: Custom 3D Printed NetIO GC10 Geiger Counter Case

Antique Radioactivity Table

	Fiestaware Small Orange Plate	83.93 uSv/hr	13849 CPM
	Westclox Home-N-Away Travel Clock	63.63 uSv/hr	10500 CPM
	Frosted Yellow Tiffin Spiral Pedestal Bowl	19.47 uSv/hr	3213 CPM
	Green Etched Grape and Wheat Pattern Juice Cup	11.153 uSv/hr	1841 CPM
	Small Green Ridged Bowl	10.45 uSv/hr	1725 CPM
	Green Etched Grape and Wheat Pattern Stemware	10.22 uSv/hr	1687 CPM
	Green Ovaloid Serving Dish	4.955 uSv/hr	818 CPM
	Green Embossed Royal Pattern Serving Plate	4.521 uSv/hr	746 CPM
	Green Drinking Glass	3.618 uSv/hr	597 CPM
	Green Federal Sherbet Cup	3.529 uSv/hr	582 CPM
	Green Anchor Hocking Spiral Creamer	2.373 uSv/hr	392 CPM
	Green Chip and Dip Bowl	2.345 uSv/hr	387 CPM
	Small Teal Ridged Bowl	1.709 uSv/hr	282 CPM
	Green Hazel Atlas 2-Cup Measuring Container	1.35 uSv/hr	220 CPM
	Green Hazel Atlas Mixing Bowl	0.991 uSv/hr	164 CPM
	Green Anchor Hocking Block Optic Sherbet Cup	0.923 uSv/hr	152 CPM
	Westclox Floral Baby Ben	0.289 uSv/hr	48 CPM
	Westclox Green and Gold Germany	0.216 uSv/hr	36 CPM