Radioactive glowing devices

[cobb]

Not sure if this is the right forum, I dont believe its covered in the rest.

Anyway, from time to time I see watches that glow for ten years, key rings, signs, etc. Although the watches seem to be for sale in the US, the keyrings are not and the signs seemed restricted too.

Seemed like a good alternative to low lighting if it can be done with this technology. Is this stuff too dangerous after it was used?

Just wondering.

 

[MichiganMan]

Do a search on Traser Glowrings. What you're talking about is Tritium. Its mildly radioactive. In the US its allowed in tiny amounts (ie. watches, gun sights, McGizmo creations) but is banned for novelty use (ie. keychains) in larger quantities.

 

[paulr]

It is regulated in the US and watches and gunsights are among the permitted uses.

 

[Lasernerd]

Is that the stuff thats in my exit sign,,
I noticed it has a bunch of vials lined up to spell EXIT

 

[tvodrd]

I suspect watch and gun sight mfgrs must have an NRC license to use/implement tritium illumination sources. I vaguely recall that back when, Meprolight or somebody was selling the vials for DIY gunsight applications but was forced by the NRC to cease selling the vials alone. At work, I have used Polonium ionizing air nozzles for particulate reduction on medical devices. The NRC licence was held by the nozzle manufacturer but I had to "sign my life away" when one arrived. They were serialized, and I received notices to return them to the vendor anually. The supplier provided the return pakaging and paperwork forms and required they return by FedX ground! I think there are some tritium-powered "exit" signs in my building.

Larry

 

[Aloft]

I seem to recall a case where the NRC fined Breitling (the Swiss watch manufacturer) for using tritium for years in manufacturing watches without bothering to get an NRC permit. OOPS. . .! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/twakfl.gif

 

[James S]

The laws were changed recently to make getting approval for watches and gun sites easier and larger things almost impossible. It is actually more the disposal of the item than it's use that is regulated. Traser would be able to apply for and get a license to import the stuff, but they would have to take measures for the disposal of the things. That and the paperwork involved would make them ludicrously expensive.

we've had innumerable discussions about this here in the last couple of years /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Some searching for tritium should turn up enough threads to keep you reading until the laws change again and it's legal /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Frangible]

You can just buy the tritium keychain lights on ebay or on this forum, forget the name of the guy who was selling them, but bought a lot from him.

 

[J_Oei]

The seller's name is Merkava.

I have bought form him in the past and have been pleased.
(In fact, maybe I'll put in another order...)

 

[flashlight]

[ QUOTE ]
J_Oei said:
The seller's name is Merkava.

I have bought form him in the past and have been pleased.
(In fact, maybe I'll put in another order...)

[/ QUOTE ]

It's here , here and here.