I work in nuclear. Tritium is the most significant health hazard here next to gamma from the source.The progress is nice, but it's still just a tiny chunk of the way needed to get to where we want to be. I do agree that the research shouldn't stop, since new discoveries can generate benefits in other areas of research, too.
I'm simply saying that we need to temper the exuberance and happiness at this "milestone," since it's basically the same thing as passing mile marker #50 on a journey around the world. You've already pointed out one of the bigger obstacles in your post.
Current technologies aren't going to get it done, and until someone comes out with something truly revolutionary, the best options are the ones we already have in place (coal, natural gas, nuclear fission, etc).
I see the same kind of overly optimistic outlooks on gene therapy. As a biochemist, I will gladly admit that gene therapy has a huge amount of promise, but as a realist, I also realize that I'm not going to see those benefits in my lifetime. Maybe my 3 year old daughter might see those benefits when she's a senior citizen, though.
It's the exposure not the intensity. Our bodies are designed to retain water. Tritiated water is very bad. Very very bad.