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Chemistry Forums for Students => Inorganic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: FlintyCrayon on December 17, 2018, 09:48:27 AM

Title: How dangerous are radioactive samples?
Post by: FlintyCrayon on December 17, 2018, 09:48:27 AM

Hi,

I am planning to build a cloud chamber to demonstrate alpha decay for a science exhibition. My question is, what amounts of radioactive samples are still safe to handle? My understanding is that small quantities of uranium ores are relatively safe, but what about other elements? Note that I won't need much, merely enough to demonstrate the alpha decay.

Side question: is there enough americium in a smoke detector to use in a cloud chamber?


While I have been studying medicinal chemistry for the past two years, my knowledge of inorganic chemistry is still pretty small.

Title: Re: How dangerous are radioactive samples?
Post by: chenbeier on December 19, 2018, 01:38:36 PM

The samples are safe, if you store them in safety lead containers.
But I dont think you can purchase them  as a private person.

Title: Re: How dangerous are radioactive samples?
Post by: Enthalpy on December 19, 2018, 05:10:06 PM

You can handle a solid block of metallic depleted uranium safely. I did it briefly with a massive one 30 years ago and am still alive.

Uranium and thorium ore is but more radioactive. You can handle a stone occasionally. I didn't write: sew it in your pillow.

It gets dangerous when you inhale dust or ingest salts, like miners do.