Tritium is a radioactive form, or “isotope", of hydrogen. Like all radioactive isotopes, tritium decays. As it decays it gives off beta radiation.

One of the more common uses of tritium involves glow-in-the-dark lighting and signs. Tritium gas is combined with phosphor to create luminescence. The light source does not require electricity or electrical wiring, making it ideal for exit signs, emergency lighting in commercial buildings and airplanes and for airport runway lights. Tritium is also used as a tracer in biomedical and academic research.

To learn more about tritium in drinking water and the health effects in the body:

http://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/resources/fact-sheets/tritium.cfm

http://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/resources/health/tritium/tritium_studies_faq.cfm

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulates releases of tritium by nuclear reactors and tritium processing facilities to ensure the health and safety of workers and the public, and the protection of the environment. The link below brings you to the specific results of the CNSC monitoring program for the various nuclear facilities in Canada. This includes information on the levels of radiation detected, along with a comparison to health guidelines or reference levels

http://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/resources/maps-of-nuclear-facilities/iemp/index-iemp.cfm

Contact Information if there are additional questions:

cnsc.information.ccsn@canada.ca

1-800-668-5284

http://nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/contact-us/index.cfm