Re: H-3 Signs

[SBD <sbd@co.disp.mindef.nl>]

The exit signs I asked Radsafe about contain gaseous tritium light sources or
betalights ("impregnated" sounds like spraying tritium paint, and that is an older
technique, not comparable to a betalight).
According to information from Self Powered Lighting Ltd, Elmsford, NY, and from
SRB Technologies Inc, NC, they both produce betalights with a maximum of 10 Ci.
The maximum activity per sign (with a combination of several betalights) is 25 Ci.
And yes, this is a lot of H-3.

The best solution for disposal is to return them to the manufacturer. For example
Self Powered Lighting has a system of exchanging old sources for new as soon as
the light production of the old sources grows too small.
But also in case you do not want to exchange them but just want to get rid of
them: contact the manufacturer.
I can not advise you on other ways for disposal of sources in the US. There are
enough US colleagues that can.

Jetty Middelkoop
Radiological Protection Service
Netherlands Ministry of Defence

nharmon@peco-energy.com wrote:

> I recall seeing some correspondence regarding sings impregnated with H-3.  Was
> there any resolution regarding disposal of them?  I received a call today
> regarding this issue.  I was told there was a total of 21 Ci, but that sounds
> extraordinarily high.
>
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