Identifying a radioactive object

There are several ways to determine whether an object is radioactive:

  • The presence of the radioactive trefoil warning symbol on the label, the object itself, or the packaging.
  • The inclusion of the following words on the label:
    • Radioactive;
    • Th-… or Thorium;
    • U-… or Uranium or Uranyl;
    • Ra-… or Radium;
    • Pitchblende (uraninite);
    • Bq or Bequerel, MBq, GBq;
    • Activity, Akitvität, activité;
    • Ci or Curie, mCi, μCi;
    • μg/mg Ra (micro/milligrams of radium).
  • An object (made in the 1960s) that glows in the dark without having been exposed to light for at least 2 days could be radioactive.
  • The fact that the object is encased in concrete or lead.

Examples of radioactive objects

In the past, people were not aware of the dangers of radioactivity. Radioactive substances were used to manufacture medical equipment and everyday objects (creams, water fountains, medicines, cosmetics, watches, radium paint, etc.).

As a result, some of these radioactive items can now be found in people's attics, at flea markets or in collections.

In most cases, any effects on our health would be minimal. Ideally, you should avoid touching the object directly, and contact the Radiation Protection Division (Division de la radioprotection).

  • Radioactive minerals
  • Natural salts used in laboratories
  • Smoke detectors
  • Items covered in luminescent paint
  • Radioactive lightning rods
  • Sealed radioactive sources
  • Short-life medical products

If you find a radioactive object

Such objects are not managed in the same way as traditional waste. They must be handled and packaged in a specific way to prevent the dispersal of the substances that they contain.

If you find a radioactive object, follow these dos and don'ts to prevent incidents from occurring:

  • keep your distance from the source;
  • do not stay close to the object for an extended period of time;
  • do not handle the object directly: wear rubber gloves;
  • if you have been in contact with the object, avoid touching your face and wash your hands;
  • if the object needs to be moved, wrap it in a plastic bag before handling;
  • do not throw the object in a rubbish bin or dump it outside in the open;
  • above all, do not send it by post;
  • contact the Radiation Protection Division immediately.

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