Tritium exit signs are signs that display the word “exit” to identify the designated exit route from a building or enclosed space. They are typically used in buildings to illuminate egress routes in areas where access to electrical service is unreliable, unavailable or costly. Tritium exit signs are self-luminous and require no electrical power. Although Tritium EXIT signs pose little or no threat to public health, proper handling and recordkeeping are important, because a damaged or broken sign could cause mild radioactive contamination of the immediate vicinity, requiring a potentially expensive clean up. Tritium EXIT signs must NOT be disposed of as normal trash. They are considered radioactive material and their handling is regulated by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

The following links and information are provided to help demolition contractors identify and dispose of these signs properly:

Responsible Management of Tritium EXIT Signs

Produced by the U.S. EPA, Office of Radiation and Indoor Air

Includes information on Identification, Health Risks, Environmental Concerns, Regulations, Shipping and Recycling.

Facts About Radioactive Tritium

Bureau of Radiation Protection (BRP) Fact Sheet

Tritium is radioactive and has a half-life of about 12.5 years, which means that half of the radioactive atoms will decay naturally in that time. Although tritium can be a gas under controlled conditions, its most common form is liquid, because, like hydrogen, tritium reacts with oxygen to form water. Like ordinary water, water containing tritium, or tritiated water, is colorless and odorless. Of the three primary types of radiation, alpha, beta and gamma, tritium emits a weak form of beta radiation.

Tritium Exit Sign Owner Responsibilities

Bureau of Radiation Protection (BRP) Fact Sheet

Contact the sign manufacturer for instructions and return cost information. If the manufacturer is unable to accept return of the device, other manufacturers of similar devices, provided they are licensed to accept tritium, may accept the signs. Alternately, you may consider use of a radioactive waste broker or processor to perform packaging, transport and disposal of unwanted tritium signs.

Tritium EXIT Signs

NRC Fact Sheet

To dispose of a sign properly, a general licensee must transfer the sign to a specific licensee. This would typically be a manufacturer, distributor, licensed radioactive waste broker, or a licensed low-level radioactive waste disposal facility. These facilities may charge a fee for this service.