Tritium-metallic targets are frequently used in many particle accelerators for the production of high-energy neutrons. The purpose of this study was to investigate the problems and hazards associated with the use of these tritium targets so that appropriate steps can be taken to minimize the potential radiological health hazards. Particular emphasis was placed on the operation of Cockcroft-Walton neutron generators, since these constitute a high percentage of such particle accelerators which utilize the tritium-metallic targets. The study showed that bombardment of tritium targets results in the loss of about 1 tritium atom for each bombarding deuteron, and that most of the tritium is in a gaseous form when it leaves the target. It was also determined that a relatively small amount of the tritium released from the target actually remains within the accelerator itself. Most of the tritium lost by a bombarded target is trapped in the elements of an ion pump or released through the vacuum system exhaust. (Author)

Republic Health Service publication no. 999-RH-29. Includes bibliographical references (page 47). Microfiche.