Uncertainty and range of alternatives in estimating tritium emissions from proposed fusion power reactors and their radiological impact

Tritium inventories and emission values predicted in different studies on fusion power reactor safety are surveyed. Routine tritium release estimates from proposed fusion power systems cover two orders of magnitude in the 17-1300 TBq/yr range. The consequent radiation dose to the maximally exposed individual due to a constant emission of 10 Ci/d as tritiated water is in the 0.2-80 mu Sv range. The uncertainties and range of alternatives in these predictions suggest that accidental tritium releases remain a critical issue in fusion reactor safety.