Is the americium in smoke detectors dangerous?

About Americium in Ionization Smoke Detectors Ionization smoke detectors use americium as a source of alpha particles. Alpha particles from the americium source ionize air molecules. There is no health threat from ionization smoke detectors as long as the detector is not damaged and used as directed.

What happens if I eat americium?

If you swallow americium, a very small amount of what enters your digestive tract may also enter your blood. Most of the americium entering your blood leaves your body in your urine and feces.

How much radiation does a smoke detector emit?

Ionization smoke detectors expose people to a tiny amount of radiation—about 1/100 of a millirem per year. This is well below the background radiation level of about 360 millirems a year. If a smoke detector contains radioactive materials, a printed notice on the packaging will say so.

How much radiation is in a smoke alarm?

How is radiation used in smoke alarms?

An isotope of americium which emits alpha particles is used in smoke alarms. Alpha radiation ionises the air and this allows a small current to flow between two electrodes. Alpha is weakly penetrating so smoke stops it, the current drops and the alarm goes off.

What type of radiation does AM 241 emit?

alpha emitter
Am-241 is primarily an alpha emitter, but also emits some gamma rays. It poses a more significant risk if ingested (swallowed) or inhaled.

How much radioactive material is in a smoke detector?

They react quickly to fires that give off little smoke. Ionization smoke detectors expose people to a tiny amount of radiation—about 1/100 of a millirem per year. This is well below the background radiation level of about 360 millirems a year.

Are smoke alarms Safe?

Whilst perfectly safe to residents, ionisation fire alarms are banned in several countries as they contain small quantities of radioactive material (Americium 241) meaning there are storage and disposal issues.

How safe are smoke detectors?

Smoke detectors are very safe A 2001 NRC study found people with two of these units in their homes receive less than 0.002 millirems of radiation dose each year. That dose can be compared to the “background radiation” that people receive from space and the earth.