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18 March 2010

Answer to Question #2969 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Consumer Products — Watches, Clocks, and other Glow-in-the-Dark

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

I have an expensive watch that has tritium hands which are flaking off. If the glass is intact is there any hazard? What if the glass breaks?

My recommendation would be to take it to someone who repairs watches and get the hands replaced. The Yellow Pages should identify a number of local shops that perform this service.

In my opinion, there is no hazard if the glass of the watch is intact, and no hazard if the glass is broken. I recommend having the hands replaced simply for aesthetic reasons, not because of any concern for the radiation. After all, tritium is close to being the most innocuous radionuclide available. That is one of the reasons it was used.

If you are interested in detailed technical information about this issue, consult the Nuclear Regulatory Commission publication NUREG 1717.

Refer to Section 2.3, page 2-49.

If you are still concerned, the best thing to do is sell the watch. You will have peace of mind and extra cash.

Paul Frame, CHP, PhD

Answer posted on 19 September 2003. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.