Americium in  Smoke  Detectors
Some smoke detectors use small amounts of radioactive material to detect smoke.
   •  These devices use very small amounts of radioactive material and are safe to use in your home.
   •  Never tamper with an ionization smoke detector.
   •  Replace batteries every year.

About Americium in Smoke Detectors
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.
  Remember: Smoke detectors are very safe and can save lives.
 Diagram of how americium is
used in some smoke detectors.
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.

Rules and Guidance

THE STATES
Each state has a program to protect people from radiation exposure. They control the use and disposal of
radioactive material in consumer products.
U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION (NRC)

Licenses are required for anyone who sells, uses or disposes of radioactive material. NRC sets rules for
obtaining these licenses. Companies that make ionization smoke detectors must have a license. However,
people who purchase the smoke detectors for their homes do not have to have a license.

What you can do

   •  Use a smoke  detector in your home. It can save your life.

   •  Never tamper with an ionization smoke detector or attempt to remove the americium.
  United States Environmental Protection Agency | Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (6608T) | EPA 402-F-14-027 | August 2014 | p. 1

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       Replace the batteries in your smoke detector every year or as directed. Most detectors are certified for a
       useful life of ten years.

       Throw away outdated ionization smoke detectors. Your community may have a separate recycling
       program for them.
  Remember: Never take an ionizing smoke detector apart.
Where to learn more
You can learn more about americium in smoke detectors by visiting the resources available on the following
webpage: http://www.epa.gov/radtown/americium-smoke-detectors.htmltflearn-more.
  United States Environmental Protection Agency | Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (6608T) |  EPA 402-F-14-027 |  August 2014 |  p. 2

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