Where can I get hold of a geiger counter?

[Swarley]

I use a 1944 Francis Barker prismatic marching compass, for the odd bit of hiking/climbing and what not.
Now I have just had a thought, this thing could be radioactive!
And a normally keep it in my trouser pocket when I'm out and about. Even worse if its a hot day I sometimes hike in a kilt and put the compass in my sporran.

If this thing is radioactive, I have been keeping it a bit too close to the important bits!!

So has anybody any idea where I could take it to be checked?


Oh and what is the first sign of radioactive balls?

[Swarley]

MGZRod said:

Growing another one would be a clear sign, that or hulk sized and coloured!

Hulk sized and coloured! I could live with that.

So I'm going to turn like spider-man after he was bitten by a radioactive spider?

So a radioactive compass to the cock = what? Will it always point north now?

[Swarley]

speed8 said:

I've got a geiger meter outside for neutron or gamma.
To be honest though, the quantities you're talking about are probably so small that it wouldn't be worth worrying over. If you've already grown an extra ball then disregard my comments as it's obviously too late for you.

FasterFreddy said:

Old, luminous watch hands, compass needles etc. are not dangerous unless you ingest them.

So just don't eat it.

Thank you for putting my mind at ease!

[Swarley]

speed8 said:

I've got a geiger meter outside for neutron or gamma.

This might be a silly question but, why?

[Swarley]

hairykrishna said:

Don't eat it and you'll probably be fine. It's also giving out radon, assuming it's radium, but you won't breathe in enough to cause a problem.

Anywhere near Birmingham? If you're worried you can bring it into my lab and we'll wave a meter over it.

Thank you for the offer!

Its sounding quite safe now, thanks for all the advice!

[Swarley]

Ok your scaring me now!

[Swarley]

eldar said:

Swarley said:

Ok your scaring me now!

No problem, unless you take it apart. In one piece, fine.

So taking the black paint off the casing when I bought it was not a good idea then.