Modes of Exposure and Biological Behavior of Tritium - doe-hdbk-1105-2002

DOE-HDBK-1105-2002

Radiological Training for Tritium Facilities

Instructor's Guide

Notes

III.

MODES OF EXPOSURE AND BIOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR

Show OT 29

OF TRITIUM - How can I be exposed to tritium and what

would it do to me?

A. External Dose

Show OT 30

Tritium is not an external hazard.

The tritium beta when it is

stopped (particularly in high

Tritium is not a dose concern if it is

atomic numbered materials, e.g.,

located outside the body.

lead) will produce a low energy

x-ray. This x-ray cannot

Tritium betas will not penetrate a

penetrate into the body, because

dosimeter.

of the low energy of the x-ray.

We are interested only in tritium inside

There may be rare circumstances

the body.

where external dose should be

considered (i.e., using large

quantities of tritium).

Internal Dose

Tritium is an "internal" radiation hazard.

Modes of Exposure

Show OT 31

Tritium can deliver a radiation dose if it gets

inside our bodies. Modes of entry include:

- inhalation

- absorption

- injection (cuts/wounds)

- ingestion