Radiological Hazards of Tritium and Promethium-147 Activated Luminous Devices

摘要

The hazards associated with tritium and 147Pm activated luminous devices are considered. The primary hazard of tritium is due to the amount of tritium oxide which may be present. Eleven capsules were investigated for initial tritium purity and also for the amount of oxide that may be released in the event of an accidental breakage in room air. It was found that as much as 30% of the activity may be in the oxide form. The primary hazard of 147Pm is that of ingestion and the resulting dose to the LLI. An examination of a reasonable hypothetical radiological accident indicated that a dose exceeding 5 times the maximum permissible intake could be received from either a tritium or a 147 Pm luminous capsule. (Author)