Ancient Roman artisans created exquisite masterpieces without any awareness of the highly dangerous radioactive components within them.
Before the radioactive properties of Uranium and its isotopes were discovered and exploited (both for good and bad), this rare metal was used by the ancient Romans in ways no one could have imagined.
According to Paul Frame, a physicist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States, the Romans incorporated Uranium into glass, crafting decorative items such as bowls, plates, and vases, which were then sold to the aristocracy for collection. Some of these artifacts still remain today.
“It looks quite attractive as it emits a shimmering glow under certain conditions, and it is truly special,” Frame said. However, the method by which the Roman artisans created this unique material remains a mystery.
Throughout history, many collectors have expressed interest in luminous decorative objects. Of course, they were completely unaware of the highly dangerous radioactive components within these items, viewing them merely as unique and collectible pieces of glass.
Ancient Romans used radioactive Uranium for high aesthetic decorative items.
Uranium glass – also known as Vaseline glass, is indeed radioactive. This has been confirmed by researchers and appraisers after examining the remaining specimens.
However, the level of danger posed by the radiation from Uranium glass is still a matter of debate among scientists. Most agree that this radiation is unlikely to have significant effects and is not strong enough to cause death.
Paul Frame even suggests that the level of radiation exposure we experience while flying or breathing indoor air may be higher than when interacting with Uranium glass – or Vaseline glass. He asserts that owning these items is “completely harmless” and “poses no risk.”
Nevertheless, if exposed to a sufficiently large and strong amount of radiation, a person could suffer certain health damages.
Specifically, radiation exposure at a moderate level, over 1 Gy (with 7 levels of exposure ranging from 1 Gy to 7 Gy), can make us ill, presenting a range of symptoms. Hours after exposure, symptoms typically begin with nausea and vomiting, followed by diarrhea, headaches, and fever.
After these initial symptoms, there may be a brief period where the body seems to return to normal without any signs of illness. However, weeks later, more severe symptoms may arise.
If exposed to higher radiation levels, all the symptoms mentioned can manifest immediately, alongside rapid damage to internal organs, which could lead to death.
Healthy adults exposed to radiation levels of 4 Gy are likely to perish within half an hour.
