Survey of Radioactive Items in the Home

: Whether it be from the sun or naturally encountered substances, we are exposed to radiation every day. Some items found in the home either are naturally radioactive or have a component containing radioactive material. This study was conducted to assess exposure from 4 such items previously shown to be radioactive: Fiestaware, granite, smoke detectors, and Brazil nuts. Using 3 types of radiation detectors to obtain quantitative and qualitative information on the radioactive properties of these items, we found little to no harmful radiation exposure from any of them.