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Radiation Protection

Radionuclide Basics: Tritium

TritiumTritium (abbreviated as 3H) is a hydrogen atom that has two neutrons in the nucleus and one proton. Tritium is produced naturally in the upper atmosphere when cosmic rays strike nitrogen molecules in the air. Tritium is also produced during nuclear weapons explosions, and as a byproduct in nuclear reactors. Although tritium can be a gas, its most common form is in water because radioactive tritium reacts with oxygen to form water.

Type of Radiation Emitted:  Half-lifeHelpHalf-lifeThe time required for half of the radioactive atoms present to decay or transform. Some radionuclides have half-lives of mere seconds, but others have half-lives of hundreds or millions of years.
Beta Half-Life
Beta ParticlesHelpBeta ParticleA form of particulate ionizing radiation made up of small, fast-moving particles. Some beta particles are capable of penetrating the skin and causing damage such as skin burns. Beta-emitters are most hazardous when they are inhaled or swallowed. 12.3 years

Tritium behaves like other forms of hydrogen in the environment. Just as non-radioactive hydrogen reacts with oxygen to create water (H2O), tritium also reacts with oxygen to form “tritiated water” (HTO). As a liquid, tritium moves easily through the environment just like water. Tritium occurs naturally in the environment in very low concentrations.