Tritium glow-in-the-dark products, also known as self-luminous or radioactive tritium gas light sources, are commonly used in various applications such as watches, exit signs, keychains, and firearm night sights. Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, and it emits low-energy beta particles that interact with a phosphorescent material to produce a continuous glow without the need for an external power source or charging.
The half-life of tritium is approximately 12.32 years, which means that over that period, the radioactivity of the tritium gas will reduce by half. However, it's important to note that the brightness of the glow may not decrease proportionally with the decrease in radioactivity.
Generally, tritium glow-in-the-dark products are designed to remain visibly luminous for about 10 to 20 years, depending on the quality of the materials used and the specific product. During this time, the glow should be noticeable under low-light conditions, but its brightness will gradually diminish as the tritium decays.
After a few decades, the glow from tritium products may become significantly weaker, to the point where it is no longer practical for their intended purpose. At this stage, they may need to be replaced if continuous luminosity is required.
It's essential to handle tritium products with care, as they contain radioactive material, and they should be disposed of properly following local regulations when they are no longer functional or safe to use.