Geo:
Yes, it is not a good idea to take apart smoke Detectors, a recent
site suggested using the source for a homemade Spinthariscope - since
it is an Alpha emmitter, failing to mention its Gamma components...
(Australian site, I think)
Anyway, the Radioactive Boy Scout was Sentenced to 90 days
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,299362,00.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Hahn
History:
http://www.abc.net.au/science/k2/moments/s595641.htm
http://www.dangerouslaboratories.org/radscout.html
Enjoy,
John-