Beta light or Isotope ?

[RobStubbs]

Umm Rob, I said that :thumbs:

 

As far as the radiation leaking and affecting you, its highly unlikely, because the low power radiation used in isotopes/beta lights will not pass through thick clothing, so I`d doubt it would even pass through the glass.

 

No Si you just said it didn't give off gamma radiation, that's why I added that it did emit beta radiation.

 

Out of interest I might take one in to work and see if any radiation does come through the glass, since I work with beta emitters a fair bit (3H and 14C). If anything does it will be a very small amount - they wouldn't be sold if they were potentially harmful.

 

Rob.

[kestrel]

No Si you just said it didn't give off gamma radiation, that's why I added that it did emit beta radiation.

 

Out of interest I might take one in to work and see if any radiation does come through the glass, since I work with beta emitters a fair bit (3H and 14C). If anything does it will be a very small amount - they wouldn't be sold if they were potentially harmful.

 

Rob.

 

 

Guys thanks for all the info, again it just goes to prove how good anglers net is when it comes to advice and knowledge, I have bought my isotopes now and am just waiting for them to be delivered,

 

Jim

[redhawk]

Umm Rob, I said that :thumbs:

 

As far as the radiation leaking and affecting you, its highly unlikely, because the low power radiation used in isotopes/beta lights will not pass through thick clothing, so I`d doubt it would even pass through the glass.

 

Tritium is H3 one of the three isotopes of Hydrogen the others are protium and duterium. only tritium is radioactive.

 

Tritium is a beta particle emitter. Beta particles are essentially electrons which come from the nucleus of an atom as opposed to the electrons which form the 'shell' of the atom. The isotopes we use in fishing work as the result of the interaction of the beta particles with a phosphor coating on the inside of the encapsulating glass tube. Different phosphors emit different coloured light (photons). It is true that the beta particles produced by tritium cannot pass through the glass capsule. This is because the particles emitted by the tritium as it decays are insufficiently energetic to enable them to penetrate the glass. However and contrary to the learned opinions of some contributors that is not the end of the story. As the beta particles strike the glass they are slowed to a stop. The energy of the particles is absorbed by the molecules of the glass as it slows and it emits another photon. This photon is called Bremsstrahlung radiation. Bremsstrahlung radiation is an x-ray and an x-ray is gamma radiation. The Bremsstrahlung x-rays do penetrate the glass and the acryllic surrounding the glass. They are also easily detectable with an appropriate radiation detector. Not a geiger counter though. A low energy gamma Scintilator is needed. Incidentally the beta particles emitted, should you break the glass tube will pass through clothing and skin quite easily. Though a 3 mm aluminium sheet will stop them.

 

The recommended cure for the inhalation of tritium is to drink liquids. A six pack of beer or lager should do the job. The amount of tritium in a beta light is unlikely to harm you even if you snorted it all directly, and you would have to be quick to manage even that. Tritium is after all hydrogen and a lot lighter than air. But it is a good excuse (if one is needed) for a few tinnies.

[Newt]

LOL - great 1st post redhawk and welcome to Anglers' Net.

[poledark]

Great stuff Redhawk sounds super technical, but are you sure it's not all a windup? :)

 

Den

[Steve Walker]

are you sure it's not all a windup? :)

 

Nah, that would be a different type of light entirely!