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09 February 2012

Answer to Question #3460 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Consumer Products — Smoke Detectors

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Q
Is it possible for someone to tamper with an ionization smoke detector without taking the plastic casing apart? I have recently purchased the smoke detector and the plastic packaging (that the detector ships in) looks like it was cut or damaged. Could someone access the radioactive source this way and cause it to be released from its spot and disperse radiation (that is, through using a sharp object like a knife or screwdriver?) I am kind of paranoid about this.
A

Damaging the radioactive source would require considerable manipulation of the smoke detector. It is not the sort of thing that could be easily accomplished through a small hole in the plastic packaging.

Paul Frame, CHP, PhD

Answer posted on 3 March 2004. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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