Uranium decays by emitting alpha particles, which are mostly absorbed by the substance of the glass itself, and some beta particles. The other major hazard of u

Uranium decays by emitting alpha particles, which are mostly absorbed by the substance of the glass itself, and some beta particles. The other major hazard of uranium is heavy–metal poisoning, similar to lead and other metals. The glass protects against this as well. Of course you wouldn’t want to inhale or ingest dust from a broken piece of uranium glass; your insides are much more susceptible to radiation than than the dead outer layer of your skin is. On the other hand, you wouldn’t want to breathe in or eat the dust from ordinary glass either; it’s pretty bad for you! Uranium glass isn’t really dangerous; it’s mostly just pretty. Even a block of uranium metal isn’t dangerous (though I would wash my hands after handling it, same as with lead).