Question

Self powered tritium exit signs were once very common, why is the contained tritium not a biological issue when enclosed with the sign? Why does tritium possess a unique biological risk when it gets into our body? Find out and describe how these signs work. Write a paragraph on how these units function and describe how the materials can interact in radiological terms.

Answer 1

Tritium is radioactive there are some biological risk issues when it gets into our bodies. When tritium enters our bodies it becomes part of our DNA and breaks the chemical bond of our DNA. Besides cancer this exposure can cause changes in blood chemistry, genetic effects, and birth defects ( ). However, tritium decays by emitting a low-energy beta particle that cannot penetrate the outer layer of human skin. The main hazard associated with tritium is internal exposure by inhalation ( ). There is no biological issue when enclosed with the sign because the tritium is enclosed in shatter proof borosilicate glass tubes. There is a biological risk when the tritium is released into the air. This can only occur when; exits signs for example, are damaged. This can happen when the signs are dropped or thrown away

Tritium, also known as 3H or H-3, is a form of hydrogen. In EXIT signs, tritium gas is contained in sealed glass tubes lined with a light-emitting compound. The tritium gives off low-energy beta radiation that causes the lining to glow. This type of radiation cannot penetrate a sheet of paper or clothing. If inhaled, it leaves the body relatively quickly. Tritium gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless, and is lighter than air.

There are a couple ways to know whether an EXIT sign contains .When the lights are off, tritium will make the word EXIT glow green or red. The sign should also have a permanent warning label that mentions tritium, 3H or H-3; displays the three-bladed radiation warning symbol; and states "Caution-Radioactive Materials." If all four letters in EXIT are fully lit, the sign is working properly. If not, the sign may be damaged or have reached the end of its working life.