Ionization Detectors

Apollo XP95 and Discovery UL ionization smoke detectors use a very low level activity radioactive isotope - Americium 241. They have been tested by the United Kingdom's Heath Protection Agency (HPA) and found to conform to relevant requirements for ionization chamber smoke detectors. More details of this can be found in Apollo's Engineering Product Guides.

Disposal of ionization detectors

Apollo's UK office is authorized by the UK's Environment Agency to dispose of the radioactive sources used in all Apollo ionization detectors, this includes XP95A and Discovery UL detectors (and, of course, any variants or future developments of them). Additional costs do apply but are reasonable to ensure safe, legal disposal of radioactive sources.

Detectors should be returned to the Service Department at Apollo UK for disposal:

  • at the end of their recommended working life of 10 years
  • if they are no longer required and are removed or replaced from a fire detection system
  • if they have become damaged

Click here to contact our Service Department at returns@apollo-fire.co.uk.


Please note that unauthorized disposal of radioactive sources can lead to prosecution.