Fact Sheets

Self-Luminous Exit Signs

The Off-Site Source Recovery Program, or OSRP, recovers excess and unwanted radioactive sealed sources as part of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Global Material Security. Radioactive materials can be found in a variety of items, including some EXIT signs. Self-luminous EXIT signs (and other self-luminous indicators) may contain the radioactive gas tritium. These self-luminous signs or markers are used anywhere the public may need a rapid exit path. This includes facilities such as office buildings, theaters, stores, schools, and churches.

Those who possess tritium EXIT signs are general licensees of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or an Agreement State. Each owner is subject to certain reporting and handling requirements, including proper disposal of unwanted or unused items containing tritium.

According to the NRC1, tritium EXIT signs or markers “pose little or no threat to public health and safety and do not constitute a security risk. However, regulations require proper recordkeeping and disposal of all radioactive material. Proper handling is also important, a damaged or broken sign could cause radioactive contamination of the immediate vicinity, requiring a potentially expensive clean up.”

Identifying Self-Luminous Exit Signs

Not all self-luminous signs are marked the same and different indicators may be used to determine if the sign contains radioactive tritium or not. To determine if an exit sign contains radioactive material, look for warning labels and any of the following markings on the unit, original packaging, owner’s operating manual:

• The radiation symbol in any size or color.
• Radioactive
• USNRC or NRC
• Tritium
• Curie
• Becquerel
• H3

Disposal of Self-Luminous Exit Signs

Never tamper with a tritium EXIT sign or attempt to remove the radioactive material. Doing so may lead to the spread of radioactive contamination. Since tritium gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, only special instruments can detect its presence.

Do not remove the warning label. It is unlawful to abandon or dispose of self-luminous signs containing tritium except by transfer to persons specifically licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or by an Agreement State. This would typically be a manufacturer, distributor, licensed radioactive waste broker, or a licensed low-level radioactive waste disposal facility. Tritium EXIT signs must not be thrown in the trash.

While tritium EXIT signs are NOT eligible for recovery by OSRP, provided below is a partial list of Manufacturers and Distributors to contact for disposal. Company contact information is also provided in the owner’s manual; and the name and/or address of the manufacturer appears on the label.

Manufacturers/Distributors

1 For more information visit: nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/fs-tritium.html.