ACCIDENTAL CONTAMINATION FROM URANIUM-COMPOUNDS THROUGH CONTACT WITH CERAMIC DINNERWARE

Examination of orange-colored dinnerware samples purchased in antique stores and flea markets has revealed the occasional presence of surfac e uranium compounds that are readily transferred to the hands and clot hing. We have further been able to produce soluble uranium compounds o n the surfaces of clean dishes by exposing them to household vinegar o r bleach. We estimate that handling of a contaminated dish can transfe r up to 1-2 becquerels or more of uranium compounds to the hands. Uran ium contamination is of concern because the element is not only an alp ha emitter but also a chemical nephrotoxin. Although the amount of ura nium likely to be ingested as a result of casual handling may be small , it could still exceed by several times the amount occurring in the a verage diet (about 40 mBq/day). Furthermore, since fresh surface compo unds are readily formed, it is possible that a person who regularly ha ndles or eats from uranium-glazed dinnerware can accidentally ingest s ignificant amounts of uranium.