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Roger Warin
Joined: 23 Jan 2013
Posts: 1246
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 Posted: Nov 19, 2014 03:23 Post subject: Re: Uranophane |
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Yes of course. But this is not true when the radioisotope is included in biological tissues. It is then very serious.
However, this is not the same situation if radioisotopes pass through the intestine, in the form of insoluble compounds.
Roger. |
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Vitaliy
Joined: 30 Nov 2014
Posts: 52
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| Posted: Dec 01, 2014 17:04 Post subject: Re: Uranophane |
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| Roger Warin wrote: | Hi,
The main danger from the collection of uranium minerals is found in radon. This gas is dangerous to breathe. Don’t open a plastic box under the nose. The collection should be stored in a well ventilated room with extractors.
The main source of radiations is in masses, even small crystals, of uraninite.
Radon is chemically inert (noble gas). It is very heavy. Its density is 8 times that of air.
Its half-life is approximately 4 days. It is therefore very radioactive.
Radon is dangerous because it is inhaled and it is decomposed into the lungs into various dangerous radioisotopes. All are α emitters. And α radiators are the most dangerous if they are absorbed in biological tissues.
Lead boxes give an illusion of protection.
In fact, it is better to see pictures of these minerals as in this site:
https://www.agab.be/mineralogie/Katanga/Katanga.html
(link normalized by FMF)
Roger. |
Radon is only an issue if there is sufficient quantities of U/Th emitting elements. You would need cabinet sized samples from Shinkolobwe to cause perhaps an increased concern about Radon. Small samples do not generate enough radon to cause concern.
To be on the safe side one could always open the sample outside in fresh air. Radon also has a very short half-life so that has to be kept in mind as well.
I should also mention that the dangers of receiving lung cancer from radon are much smaller than that from other sources. Smoking will likely give you lung cancer whereas opening a plastic box with a REE mineral will likely not. |
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Pierre Joubert
Joined: 09 Mar 2012
Posts: 1605
Location: Western Cape
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| Posted: Dec 02, 2014 06:25 Post subject: Re: Uranophane |
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From what I have read and heard, I pretty much agree with your reasoning Vitaliy M. I have far more concern for our microwave, cellphone etc. than our few pieces of uranophane specimens. The few cigarettes that I puffed when I was 10 probably did far more damage. Regards.
_________________
Pierre Joubert
'The tree of silence bears the fruit of peace. ' |
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Vitaliy
Joined: 30 Nov 2014
Posts: 52
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| Posted: Dec 02, 2014 15:46 Post subject: Re: Uranophane |
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| Pierre Joubert wrote: | | From what I have read and heard, I pretty much agree with your reasoning Vitaliy M. I have far more concern for our microwave, cellphone etc. than our few pieces of uranophane specimens. The few cigarettes that I puffed when I was 10 probably did far more damage. Regards. |
Pierre if you also have a Geiger counter you can check to see what kind of readings this Uranophane also gives off. There shouldn't be any problems shipping it as it is an unrefined ore and therefore legal to own or possess. Dealers have many methods of shipping such material and that includes tin foil , using plastic bags as buffers , plastic wrapping paper , etc...
I remember reading this discussion that collectors going from the US to Canada and Vice Versa encountered more issues in actually having and declaring the minerals than shipping it. |
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Pierre Joubert
Joined: 09 Mar 2012
Posts: 1605
Location: Western Cape
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| Posted: Dec 03, 2014 01:23 Post subject: Re: Uranophane |
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| Vitaliy M. wrote: | | Pierre Joubert wrote: | | From what I have read and heard, I pretty much agree with your reasoning Vitaliy M. I have far more concern for our microwave, cellphone etc. than our few pieces of uranophane specimens. The few cigarettes that I puffed when I was 10 probably did far more damage. Regards. |
Pierre if you also have a Geiger counter you can check to see what kind of readings this Uranophane also gives off. There shouldn't be any problems shipping it as it is an unrefined ore and therefore legal to own or possess. Dealers have many methods of shipping such material and that includes tin foil , using plastic bags as buffers , plastic wrapping paper , etc...
I remember reading this discussion that collectors going from the US to Canada and Vice Versa encountered more issues in actually having and declaring the minerals than shipping it. |
Hi Vitaliy M. I have decided to take Jordi's advice and have already sold most specimens to a large local dealer. He fetched them at our house. Thank you for your advice. Regards.
_________________
Pierre Joubert
'The tree of silence bears the fruit of peace. ' |
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