Early Uses of Uranium

In the 1800s, the hazards of excess exposure to radiation were not yet known and understood. Radium was actually thought to be a health-giving substance and was used in tonics!

People used uranium oxides to make yellow glass, and to paint and glaze glass and ceramic items. (Uranium produced colours such as yellow-green, orange and bright red).

Radium was used to paint the dials on clocks and watches to make them glow. However, the dial painters, early scientists, and other people working with radioactive substances suffered, and even died, from radiation-related illnesses.

Since then, much has been learnt about the risks of radiation and how to minimise those risks.