Have Tritium Exit Signs

By Ross Thieme


Energy conservation is one of the critical considerations in building design. For cost-efficiency, several companies shifted to the use from electric exit signs to tritium exit signs. When evaluating the feasibility of tritium signage, it is suggested to assess the sustainability, usages and requirements before deciding to shift to this sign device.

Despite the ability of this signage to effuse minute percentage of beta radiation compared in comparison with normal hydrogen.

Tritium is an irradiated hydrogen isotope which is also known Hydrogen-3. Technically, this gaseous hydrogen isotope is famous for its illumination effects. It has the ability to make items glow in the dark, such as the ones found in clocks, emergency signs and many more. Tritium is not solely utilized in making self-luminous items and devices, but it is also used to boost nuclear weapons. It serves as an alternative option for carcinogenic radium in various commercial applications.

Is tritium hazardous to use?

Even though tritium is complicated to tackle, but this hydrogen isotope is harmless and firm substance. Exposure to tritium should not be a cause of alarm because it is safe and does not bring any health-related impediments. However, its irradiated properties make it dangerous when swallowed, insufflated and ingested in the skin. Due to the hazard and danger with tritium, caution and attention is needed when removing lacerated tritium products and commodities.

Why tritium-powered exit symbols are commonly used?

More and more users prefer the use of tritium-driven lighting and sign devices because of its ability to save on energy and electricity consumption. Tritium exit signages managed to penetrate the market and became popular in schools and office facilities in the 20th century. These facilities shifted and used tritium-mechanized sign products instead of the traditional signboards.

Are these tritium signs sustainable and safe to use?

Despite being a topnotch product when it comes to electricity consumption compared to the conventional electrical signage, care and proper disposal makes the product lesser when compared with the traditional. Careful and protective measures are needed when removing this contaminated product from buildings due to its hazards. To avert risks and to ensure the safety of building occupants, periodic and careful inspection, specialized disposal and maintenance are deemed necessary. To avert the onset of groundwater contamination and pollution, these products should only be handled and maintained by licensed and credible handlers.

What are the other alternatives to tritium-power exit signs?

Photoluminescent items are the safer options which grow in popularity among standard building designs. Since it is highly accredited and commended by the Federal Energy Management Program, government buildings changed their old units with this safer and recyclable option. These products are not only energy-efficient, but they are also financially- and environmentally effective for business enterprises of all sizes. Even if tritium exit signs are far more ahead when it comes to energy conservation, its dangerous properties make photoluminescence products the best option.




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