| Agent Name |
Tritium |
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| CAS Number |
10028-17-8 |
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| Formula |
T2 |
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| Major Category |
Physical Agents |
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| Synonyms |
Hydrogen-3; T; Triterium; [ChemIDplus] |
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| Category |
Radionuclides |
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| Description |
Tritium comprises a billionth of a billionth percent of natural hydrogen; it is found as tritium gas (HT) and tritiated water (HTO). [Argonne] |
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| 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] |
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| 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 "Radiation, ionizing."
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| 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] |
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| Reference Link |
Tritium | Radiation Protection | US EPA |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: TRITIUM, RADIOACTIVE IONIZING RADIATION
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