Major Category
Physical/Radiation
Synonyms
Hydrogen-3; T; Triterium; [ChemIDplus]
Description
Tritium comprises a billionth of a billionth percent of natural hydrogen; it is found as tritium gas (HT) and tritiated water (HTO). [Argonne]
Sources/Uses
Used to boost fission or fusion in nuclear weapons; Also used in tracers for biological and environmental studies and in luminous paints for exit signs, airport runways, and watch dials; [Argonne]
Comments
Source: Cosmic rays interacting with air molecules; Nuclear fission with a yield of about 0.01%; Neutron absorption of lithium-6 atoms; [Argonne]
Half-Life: 12 years
Effective Half-Life: 12 days
Specific Activity: 9,800 Ci/gm
Decay Mode: Beta
GI Absorption: Completely absorbed;
Critical Organ: Total body
Internal Toxicity: Low
Annual Limit on Intake: 80 mCi
Radiation Energy (MeV): Beta 0.0186 (100%)
Radiation Accidents: 2 accidents with 7 people exposed and 2 deaths;
[See Glossary for references.] See "Hydrogen." See "Radiation, ionizing."
Restricted
EPA has set the maximum contaminant level in drinking water at 20,000 pCi/L. Surface waters usually contain about 10-20 pCi/L. [Argonne]
Other Poison
Simple Asphyxiant
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: