Tritiumvettä

Tritiumvettä is a Finnish term that translates to "tritium water." It refers to water molecules where one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by tritium. Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen with one proton and two neutrons in its nucleus. Naturally occurring tritium is produced in the Earth's upper atmosphere by cosmic rays interacting with atmospheric gases. It is also produced industrially for use in self-powered lighting devices, such as exit signs and watch dials, and in nuclear fusion research.

When tritium incorporates into water molecules, it forms tritiated water, or HTO. This tritiated water behaves chemically like normal water, meaning it can be absorbed by plants and animals, and can enter the water cycle. Due to its radioactivity, tritium can pose a health risk if ingested or inhaled in significant quantities. The primary concern with tritium is its beta decay, which can damage biological tissues. However, tritium's beta particles have very low energy and cannot penetrate the skin. The main exposure routes are ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through wounds.

The presence of tritium in water can be a result of natural processes, nuclear weapons testing, or accidental releases from nuclear facilities. Environmental monitoring is conducted to assess tritium levels in water sources, particularly near nuclear power plants. While tritium is a radioactive substance, its relatively short half-life of about 12.3 years and the low energy of its emissions mean that its hazard is generally considered less severe than that of other radioactive isotopes. Regulatory limits are in place to control the acceptable concentration of tritium in drinking water.