Evaluation of the risks involved in the application of tritium gas and measures which have to be taken

Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that emits soft β-rays, is applied in luminous paints, light sources and spark gaps. In this report an evaluation is given of the risks, which may be involved in these applications. Though one may imagine circumstances in which persons are exposed to excessive irradiation, in general, the risks are not large. Nevertheless, an unfavorable situation may occur in rooms where ventilation is poor or where recycling of air is applied. In some situations it can be desirable to take safety measures like the installation of a well-functioning ventilation system or - if an incident has already taken place - an estimation of the dose received by means of wipe-tests, air-sampling, urine-tests and so on. (Auth.)