Tritium (pron.: /ˈtrɪtiəm/ or /ˈtrɪʃiəm/; symbol T or 3H, also known as hydrogen-3) is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. The nucleus of tritium (sometimes called a triton) contains one proton and two neutrons, whereas the nucleus of protium (by far the most abundant hydrogen isotope) contains one proton and no neutrons. Naturally occurring tritium is extremely rare on Earth, where trace amounts are formed by the interaction of the atmosphere with cosmic rays. The name of this isotope is formed from the Greek word “tritos” meaning “third”.
(from Wikipedia)
Please read the Tritium Illumination article on Wikipedia to understand more about tritium vials. Check if possession of tritium is permitted in your country.
Health concerns
This is the short version -the linked Wikipedia article has more info.
Direct, short-term exposure to small amounts of tritium is relatively harmless. If a tritium tube should break, one should leave the area and allow the gas to diffuse into the air. Tritium exists naturally in the environment, but in very small quantities.
(from Wikipedia)
Obtaining tritium vials
Note that obtaining tritium may not be legal in your country. Do your own research.
f5 Design Studio do NOT sell tritium vials. We recommend purchasing from Mixglo (www.mixglo.com). Daniel has very good prices on vials and his own range of lanterns and beads. Super customer service and exceptionally good packaging.
Tritium vials are also known as “betalight” and a simple search on www.ebay.co.uk for the term “betalight” will yield several sellers.