Your Smoke Detectors Are Probably Radioactive!
Ranked #44,501 in Healthy Living, #544,894 overall
Radioactive Smoke Detectors are just one of a myriad "hidden dangers" in our toxic homes. Knowledge is power, so read on to learn more about the differences in smoke detectors.
Contents at a Glance
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I'm sure you will be as surprised (and outraged) as I was to learn that battery-powered (ionization type) smoke detectors contain radioactive materials and are a potential health hazard. Shocking, huh?? Who knew!
The radioactive materials are apparently confined in metal containers that are designed to keep exposure to radioactive materials to a minimum. Make you feel safe? Yeah, me neither!
These alarms have been in use for a relatively short period of time so the real hazards are not known and of course not documented. We all know any exposure to radioactive materials linked to potentially serious health effects.
Safe Solutions: There are 2 types of smoke alarms on the market: Optical detectors and ionization chamber detectors. Household ionization detectors contain a circuit board with a detection chamber. Inside the detection chamber is a radioactive foil. Although very small, the piece of radioactive foil presents a hazard to individuals. Ioinization alarms detect both visible and invisible signs of fire.
Photoelectric alarms respond only to visible signs of combustion. Interestingly, Consumer Reports magazine found the photoelectric-type smoke detectors are more sensitive and effective than the ionization type. So, apparently the product that is the best buy is ALSO the best safeguard for your health.
Photoelectric detectors can be difficult to find in stores. The following are two good sources:
Real Goods; Karen's Nontoxic Products.
Karen's Nontoxic Products
110 N. Washington St.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078
800-527-3674
Real Goods (mail order contact)
360 Interlocken Blvd.
Broomfield, CO 80021
800-762-7325
www.realgoods.com
PLEASE NOTE: If you decide to switch out your detectors, return your old smoke alarms to the manufacturer for proper disposal. The radioactive materials used in smoke detectors last for thousands of years, and similar materials produced in nuclear reactors must be buried deep underground.
Makes you feel all warm & fuzzy, doesn't it???
The radioactive materials are apparently confined in metal containers that are designed to keep exposure to radioactive materials to a minimum. Make you feel safe? Yeah, me neither!
These alarms have been in use for a relatively short period of time so the real hazards are not known and of course not documented. We all know any exposure to radioactive materials linked to potentially serious health effects.
Safe Solutions: There are 2 types of smoke alarms on the market: Optical detectors and ionization chamber detectors. Household ionization detectors contain a circuit board with a detection chamber. Inside the detection chamber is a radioactive foil. Although very small, the piece of radioactive foil presents a hazard to individuals. Ioinization alarms detect both visible and invisible signs of fire.
Photoelectric alarms respond only to visible signs of combustion. Interestingly, Consumer Reports magazine found the photoelectric-type smoke detectors are more sensitive and effective than the ionization type. So, apparently the product that is the best buy is ALSO the best safeguard for your health.
Photoelectric detectors can be difficult to find in stores. The following are two good sources:
Real Goods; Karen's Nontoxic Products.
Karen's Nontoxic Products
110 N. Washington St.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078
800-527-3674
Real Goods (mail order contact)
360 Interlocken Blvd.
Broomfield, CO 80021
800-762-7325
www.realgoods.com
PLEASE NOTE: If you decide to switch out your detectors, return your old smoke alarms to the manufacturer for proper disposal. The radioactive materials used in smoke detectors last for thousands of years, and similar materials produced in nuclear reactors must be buried deep underground.
Makes you feel all warm & fuzzy, doesn't it???
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Another assault on our health. It's time we Americans wake up and literally "take charge of our health" while there is still a window of opportunity.
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Important information for everyone on the hidden dangers lurking in our homes.
- Electricians warn about winter dangers
- Mr Tinslay says the start of winter is a good time to check that your smoke alarm is working. ?Smoke alarms save lives and all residents should have them installed. If your smoke alarm is not hard-wired, changing the battery regularly is critical.
- Ocean County Fire Marshal's Office Warns Of Carbon Monoxide Dangers Ahead Of ...
- We urge families to replace their Smoke/Carbon Monoxide alarm batteries prior to the holidays and provide some guidelines for carbon monoxide safety: ? All homes must have working CO detectors. We recommend electric plug in models with a display and ...
- Mike Counsil Electric Launches Awareness Campaign On Expired Smoke Detectors
- "Most people know that they need to change their Smoke detector's batteries twice a year. But very few people know that their smoke detectors expire! That's why we're urging everyone that lives in a home 10+ years ago to call us for free smoke ...
- How to childproof your house
- Make sure you have a working smoke alarm in each room. It is also important to have a carbon monoxide detector near gas-fueled appliances. Make rooms toddler-friendly Make sure to cover all electrical outlets. You don't want your child sticking a fork ...
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