Abstract: An antistatic layer of a radiation-sensitive element, such as a photographic film or paper, is formed by coating and drying of an antistatic composition comprising an aqueous solution of an amorphous antistatic material, the aqueous solution having been produced by forming a melt comprised of at least 80% by weight of vanadium pentoxide and casting the melt into a solubilizing amount of water. In addition to vanadium pentoxide, the melt can contain a glass-forming compound, such as an alkaline metal phosphate or polyphosphate, as well as an oxide of an element that exists in at least two valence states, such as an oxide of molybdenum. The radiation-sensitive element preferably includes a protective overcoat layer covering the antistatic layer.