A traditionally popular luminescent, or glow in the dark exit sign, contains a radioactive gas called tritium. Therefore, in essence, tritium exit signs are considered atomic exit signs, and should be considered dangerous, even though some
A traditionally popular luminescent, or glow in the dark exit sign, contains a radioactive gas called tritium. Therefore, in essence, tritium exit signs are considered atomic exit signs, and should be considered dangerous, even though some companies still selling these types of exit signs would have you believe the signs pose little to no threat to public health and safety or security.
Tritium is defined as being a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. When infused in exit signs, the gas is contained in sealed glass tubes lined with a light-emitting compound. The tritium gas emits radiation that causes the lining to glow. Defenders of using tritium exit signs will tell you that this type of radiation cannot penetrate even a sheet of paper or clothing, and, if inhaled, will leave the body relatively quickly. Moreover, tritium gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Does the idea of inhaling radiation that should leave the body relatively quickly tickle your fancy? Didn’t think so. Furthermore, these sealed glass tubes have been known to easily break and rupture, even at the slightest movement or shake. All you have to do is watch or read the news to know how devastating a ru