Radiation Safety 
General Safe Handling Considerations

Radioactive minerals emit various forms of radiation. If proper safeguards and precautions are followed, the dangers from radiation are minimized and even amateur collectors can collect without worry.

Some guidelines for radioactive minerals:

• Handle specimens as little as possible; if they are touched, wash hands with soap and water.
• Never store specimens, even the smallest of size, in an inhabited room.
• Store specimens in a well ventilated area.
• Keep all specimens out of children�s reach.
• Never eat, drink, smoke, or sleep near a radioactive mineral.
• Label all radioactive specimens as radioactive.
• Don't carry radioactive minerals in your pocket or wear them as jewelry.
• Try to keep radioactive minerals in a plastic display case or some other container with a lid. This helps to control small pieces that may break off during handling.  A boxed radioactive  mineral keeps you from directly touching the specimen, which  helps to minimize radiation exposure to your skin.
• Clean up small particles that may break off of radioactive specimens with soap and water.
• If you collect lots of large highly radioactive specimens,  then I would consider a lead,  lead glass or concrete shielded box for storage, in a well ventilated area.