What is an ionization smoke alarm?
• An ionization smoke alarm is one which utilizes a minute amount of radioactive material in the smoke sensor instead of the beam of light found in a photoelectric smoke alarm. Ionization smoke alarms are inexpensive to manufacture and are the most common type found in residences. Do ionization alarms pose a health risk? • Ionization alarms contain about .000007 ounce of the radioactive material Americium 241. This very small amount does not pose a health hazard as long as the smoke alarm is not disassembled. How can I tell if my house has an ionization smoke alarm? • Ionization alarms have a label on the upward face (the side against the ceiling) stating that they utilize ionization technology and often have a version of the international symbol for radiation. Do ionization smoke alarms require any type of battery? • All smoke alarms require a nine-volt battery to power them or, if they are hardwired into the household electrical system, as a back-up in the event of a power outage. Th
