Identify the radioactive items [local] in and around the house.

Smoke detectors [local] are important safety devices, because of their obvious potential to save lives and property. One type of smoke detector uses the radiation from a small amount of Amercicium-241 to detect the presence of smoke or heat sources. These "ion chamber smoke detectors" are the most popular, because they are inexpensive and are sensitive to a wider range of fire conditions.