Bulova Caravelle - Perma-Lite Danger!!!

[retrowrist]

Dear Members of the Digital Watch Forum,

I have a question! I noticed that the same Bulova Caravelle watch I keep speaking of has a display stand for it that states: "Perma-Lite." Does this mean I am in danger? What I mean is, is this very serious Tritium? And Is there a way to decontaminate the watch or dispose of it properly?

I did not take much Chemistry, but this can be very serious! I check this watch by going outside with it, and then back inside, and the watch does NOT glow at all! Not sure what to do at all here. I really need some advice though.

- Patrick

[Kasper]

i even painted my tritium backplate with flue night color from my fairchild lcd tritium watch...and i'm still alive the quantity is way to low to be harmful..and after 30 years it's also not active anymore.

if i develop cancer within 2 years i will get back to ya.

[retrowrist]

So what you are telling me is that the Tritium is Dead or Neutralized? Well, is there a way to tell this? Do I need to purchase a Geiger Counter? Seriously, this is a harmful substance! am very worried.

[abem]

Perhaps you're confusing Tritium with Radium?

Tritium is really quite safe. It emits beta radiation which can't even penetrate your skin and is essentially harmless. If you have a fear of beta rays, then don't go near a television, which emits a vastly larger quantity of the same type of radiation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tritium_illumination

Radium emits alpha particles and gamma rays, which are far more penetrating and dangerous.

The only way that Tritium could conceivably harm you is if you were to break open thousands of the little glass vials and consume the Tritium. I don't recommend doing that. The world is indeed a scary place with many things to be afraid of (seriously), but Tritium is not one of them.

-abe.

My Tritium watch. If my hand falls off, then like Kasper, I'll get back to ya!