Subject: smoke alarm dust leakage?

I had a old smoke alarm from the early 1970 s made By Sears having 5 microcuries
Americium. I noticed that the dust was caked on the ionization cover vents and
had a yellow golden color.  I becamed worried that the Americium  alpha
particles could be breaking down the 2 micron thick gold cover by the constant
bombardment of alpha particles. The unit is about 35 years old and was one of
first battery powered home units on the market.  Could age and alpha
deterioration cause a leakage of this sort? or is the dust lint's golden color
being  caused by the dust being this color? I have heard units with a high
amount of americium can leak by alpha particle bombardent causing heat
cracks,causing the Americium to leak out.  Military chemical detectors are
having these problems, but they contain over 100 microcuries of Americium. am I
in and danger of contamination, in my room?  I am worried about this alot I hope
the old units were built well.

                             Thank, Frank

Re: smoke alarm dust leakage?