Safe Smoke detectors perform a life-saving function in the event of fire which far outweighs any radiation risk from the small amount of radioactive material contained in the detectors. Smoke detectors are now more common as fire safety requirements have been introduced to have detectors installed in all Victorian houses. This leaflet has been prepared to provide information on the radiation risk from smoke detectors.
Smoke detectors perform a life-saving function in the event of fire.
They are highly recommended by fire protection authorities around the world. The life-saving benefits of smoke detectors far outweigh any risk due to radiation exposure that may result from their use. The risk of harm from radiation exposure from smoke detectors is considered to be miniscule. Alpha radiation, which is emitted by the radioactive source used to make the detector operate, will not even penetrate through air for more than a few centimetres and is therefore contained within the chamber of the detector. Gamma radiation intensity decreases rapidly with increasing distance from the source.