Re: My Radium Dial

[rkathren@tricity.wsu.edu (Ron L. Kathren)]

Reply to Andy Hancock:

While I can't comment on your specific watch, Radium dial watches typically
contained on the order of 20 kBq (about 0. microCi) of radium.  

Ron Kathren


>Dear Radsafers
>
>It's an old chestnut, but any information on this please?
>
>I have in my possession my father's old WWII British army wrist watch.
>This has a radium-226 painted dial. For my own interest I would love to
>know the activity that was used in these watch dials. The back of the
>watch, as well as the usual, swiss/waterproof/non-magnetic, has the
>letters A.T.P. and number Q3244 engraved on it, as well as the name
>Bravingtons. Any ideas?
>
>Incidentally the watch works, keeps brilliant time, glows in the dark,
>looks cool, and makes a great prop for radiation safety lectures. Also
>the anti-LNT groups will be glad to know that I wore the watch (no pun
>intended) during most of my early teens and enjoyed great health. 25
>years on and I still do! (I wonder if the person who painted the dial
>was so fortunate?!)
>
>Cheers All,
>
>Andy Hancock
>Charing Cross Hospital, London
>a.hancock@cxwms.ac.uk
>
>
>