Should Radioactive Tritium Exit Signs Be Eliminated From the Market?
Tritium is a common material used to light emergency exit signs. However, the concern is that tritium is a radioactive hydrogen isotope and therefore a carcinogen and mutagen. Although it gives off small amounts of beta radiation compared to many other isotopes, it behaves like ordinary hydrogen. As a gas it can easily be ingested and since it behaves like hydrogen it’s able to incorporate into the DNA of living cells (especially those of the reproductive system). Once it’s incorporated it may damage the genes and lead to cancer. As such, using this material for emergency lighting carries many liability concerns. These emergency exit signs are built with safety in mind. However, the danger lies with human error and, ironically, emergency situations. In the case of human error, mistreatment or improper handling of the signs may damage them. The special tubes that hold the tritium gas may break open releasing radioactive material into the air. For example, accidentally dropping a sign or
