Removing the dials was kinda silly. I doubt there was any risk of radiation, dials in class fixtures for a short limited exposure.,(reply>), Risk is that the radium powder is slowly released from the wartime adhesive that holds it in place. The glass over the dial is not airtight, so you get a continuous release of radioactive prefer into the air in the cockpit. Once breathed in the radium settles in your lungs and irradiates them for the rest of your life. <br><br>This was considered acceptable up to the 1950's or even 60's, when similar luminous paints were still used for clocks and watches on sale to the public. They got banned in the general tightening up of radiation exposure (X-rays as well as what we normally call radioactivity). The risk may be small but I am not surprised that the law forbids it