nbsp   How does Ontario Power Generation manage tritium production in its CANDU moderators?
[A. CANDU Technology] [B. The Industry] [C. Cost/Benefit] [D. Safety/Liability] [E. Waste] [F. Security/Non-Proliferation] [G. Uranium] [H. Research Reactors] [I. Other R&D] [J. Further Info] Tritium (H-3) is a radioactive heavy isotope of hydrogen, created in the heavy-water moderator of CANDU reactors by neutron bombardment of deuterium (H-2, the hydrogen isotope in heavy water). Over a period of time a significant quantity of tritium builds up in the moderator, and since tritium is radioactive, with a half-life of 12.3 years, this poses a potential risk to employees, and also increases the potential for a tritium release to the environment. Tritium is considered a “low hazard” radioactive isotope, because of the weak energy of its radiation (beta particles with an average of 6 keV energy). Due to its low-energy radiation, it is harmless outside the body, but becomes a biohazard if taken internally. Regulations are therefore set on the amount of tritium that can be released from a CA
