²²²Rn EMANATION FROM URANIUM-GLAZED CERAMICS

Abstract

Orange-red uranium-glazed dinnerware was found to emanate ²²²Rn to produce an average of less than 0.1 Bq ²²²Rn decay per piece, which should have no associated health risks. Comparison of ²²²Rn emanation to ²²⁶Ra in glazes (measured by alpha spectrometry) indicated inefficient emanation (<5%) of ²²²Rn, consistent with the low radon levels observed and with the presence of ²²²Rn progeny in glazes. These studies also showed that reagent grade uranium compounds may emanate measurable ²²²Rn.