chippyfly
672
Not only Alpha
Apr 08, 2019,06:48 AM
Gamma radiation is emitted by radium 226 in the luminous paint and that is what is detected. Emitted beta radiation is not detected by the Geiger. Alpha is absorbed by the watch casing etc but there is the creation of Radon gas within the watch, which can leak out. The Geiger counter Radex 1503 shown also detects X-rays but that is not relevant here. There is nothing wrong with my Geiger counter. When flying above 30,000' the Radex 1503 also detects gamma radiation from space. You may be surprised at the total dose received on a long flight across the oceans! Also some ceramic pottery and yellow glassware (eg uranium glass) emits gamma radiation.
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G-P Gyromatic ref: 7317 dilemma
By: chippyfly : April 8th, 2019-04:08
On this forum I had expressed my concerns about the radioactivity emanating from my G-P ref: 7317 Gyromatic. I store most of my small watch collection on cushions in individual wooden boxes with hinged transparent lids that all fit neatly together, twelve...
I thought radium underwent alpha decay?
By: Spangles - Dr. Tabby : April 8th, 2019-05:16
And alpha particles were stopped by a sheet of paper, non-penetrative, and the risk was in inhalation or ingestion? How are they even escaping the watch itself?
Not only Alpha
By: chippyfly : April 8th, 2019-06:48
Gamma radiation is emitted by radium 226 in the luminous paint and that is what is detected. Emitted beta radiation is not detected by the Geiger. Alpha is absorbed by the watch casing etc but there is the creation of Radon gas within the watch, which can...
Here's the decay series for Radium 226
By: Spangles - Dr. Tabby : April 8th, 2019-07:36
www.ld-didactic.de Interesting! A lead-lined box is likely sufficient, maybe store it away from where you normally sit. Also, I would strongly advise against licking the hands of the watch. Don't do it!
Can I wear my Gyromatic?
By: chippyfly : April 8th, 2019-08:09
Here is a link to a long report that may explain answers to my questions but I do not understand the measurement units described with relation to µSv/hour: RADIUM TIMEPIECE DOSE MODELING Prepared by A. J. Boerner, CHP M. A. Buchholz