How does americium-241 work in smoke detectors?
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hey mate here is your answer..^^
Smoke detectors are common household items. Ionization smoke detectors use a small amount of radioactive material, americium-241, to detect smoke. Alpha particles from the americium source ionize air molecules, allowing positive and negative ions to flow between charged plates in the smoke detector. The smoke alarm triggers when smoke particles disrupt the constant flow of ions.
If you use the smoke detector as directed and do not tamper with it, there is no radiation health risk.
There is no health threat from ionization smoke detectors as long as the detector is not tampered with and it is used as directed. The tiny amount of americium used is encased in ceramic and foil. There are no special disposal instructions for ionization smoke detectors. They may be thrown away with household trash, however your community may have a separate recycling program.
Smoke detectors are common household items. Ionization smoke detectors use a small amount of radioactive material, americium-241, to detect smoke. Alpha particles from the americium source ionize air molecules, allowing positive and negative ions to flow between charged plates in the smoke detector. The smoke alarm triggers when smoke particles disrupt the constant flow of ions.
If you use the smoke detector as directed and do not tamper with it, there is no radiation health risk.
There is no health threat from ionization smoke detectors as long as the detector is not tampered with and it is used as directed. The tiny amount of americium used is encased in ceramic and foil. There are no special disposal instructions for ionization smoke detectors. They may be thrown away with household trash, however your community may have a separate recycling program.
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