Estimates of the Radiation Exposures

A very detailed analysis of the radiation exposures due to uranium in glassware can be found in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission publication “Systematic Radiological Assessment of Exemptions for Source and Byproduct Materials” (NUREG 1717).

There are three principal radiation exposure pathways associated with Vaseline glass:

1. Exposure to the body from the gamma rays emitted by radionuclides in the glass. ... [exposure tables follow]
2. Exposure to the hands from the beta particles emitted by radionuclides in the glass ... [another table]
3. Ingestion of uranium that has leached into food that has been in contact with the glass