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

DOE-HDBK-1105-2002

Radiological Training for Tritium Facilities

Student's Guide

Notes

III.

MODES OF EXPOSURE AND BIOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR

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

would it do to me?

A. External Dose

Tritium is not an external hazard.

Tritium is not a dose concern if it is

located outside the body.

Tritium betas will not penetrate a

dosimeter.

We are interested only in tritium inside

the body.

Internal Dose

Tritium is an "internal" radiation hazard.

Modes of Exposure

Tritium can deliver a radiation dose if it gets

inside our bodies. Modes of entry include:

- inhalation

- absorption

- injection (cuts/wounds)

- ingestion