Callum Donovan-Grujicich

Untitled (reactor)

In an ionizing smoke detector, small amounts of americium-241 are used as a source of radiation; when smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the circuit and triggers the alarm. Alpha particle radiation is also used in static eliminators and as a power source in spacecraft. In this device, smoke detectors have been deconstructed to release harmless radiation into the surrounding environment. The radioactive core is enclosed within a cage composed of fused dryer lint and resin - an improvised barrier that prevents tampering while allowing for particle emission. The lint was collected from its site of dispersal - shed from garments during rotation inside a dryer, it has been gathered and cast in a mould to form this protective structure.