One of the most common types of smoke detectors is called an ionization detector. This type of smoke detector contains a small quantity of Americium-241, a radioactive element that emits alpha particles. The alpha particles emitted by the americium ionizes the air molecules (oxygen and nitrogen) allowing electric current to flow between a set of metal plates hooked up to a battery. When smoke is present, the ions attach to the smoke particles and are neutralized. This reduces the electric current between the plates which triggers the detector to sound the alarm.
Before you worry, the alpha particles emitted by the americium do not travel very far in air and are not any danger to you. This is as long as you don't DISTURB the americium. Americium can be very dangerous if inhaled. So do not tinker with the smoke detector or try to examine/play with the americium.
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4 comments:
There is some type of liquid dripping from the metal box that says radioactive material on my smoke detector. I thought it was water from condensation. My husband says its brownish in color. It is setting off the alarm. I am not sure if the radioactive material is leaking or if I have a roof leak. I no longer think it is steam from the bathroom, because it has been hours since water has been run in there. any suggestions?????? I have had to turn off the breaker because it is not stopping .....
why can a smoke alarm 'beep' without a battery when it starts to malfunction? does it have anything to do with it containing radioactive materials?
sarahb, I am not sure what the liquid dropping from your smoke detector is. You might want to replace the smoke detector. If you see moisture on a new one, it's obviously coming from somewhere else. Try putting the new smoke detector somewhere else in the room.
wildelife, I have never heard of a smoke detector beeping without a battery, you need some source of power for it to beep. The radioactive material is not powering the beeping.
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