Uranium in glass, glazes and enamels: history, identification and handling

A survey of over 400 glass, enamel and ceramic objects from museums and private collections was made to investigate the extent of uranium colorants. Widespread use of uranium was found in colored glass, enamels and ceramics produced between the 1830s and 1940s. Simple tests can be used to determine the presence of uranium in objects. This knowledge can be useful for authentication purposes; the presence of uranium may also compromise thermoluminescence dating of ancient objects stored nearby. Little health risk from uranium-containing objects was found unless many objects were stored in a small area, or if acidic or alkaline foods were stored in them and consumed in quantity.