IONIZATION SMOKE DETECTORS (Control over use of)

Mr Ivan Baptist asked the Minister for Law, the Environment and Science and Technology (a) whether ionization smoke detectors are being retailed or will be retailed in the near future in Singapore; and (b) whether studies have been made to examine the possible dangers of these smoke detectors to users and the general public.

The Minister for Law, the Environment and Science and Technology (Mr E.W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, ionization smoke detectors are not being retailed in Singapore. However, such detectors have been installed in some commercial and industrial buildings as part of their centralised fire detection system. Since September 1974, when the Radiation Protection Act came into force, the Radiation Protection lnspectorate of the Ministry of Science and Technology, has imposed strict licensing control over distributors on the use and sale of these detectors. But recently, battery operated ionization smoke detectors for use in the home have appeared in the world market for sale to the general public. In Singapore such detectors have not been allowed to be sold freely.

Some studies have been carried out by the Radiation Protection Inspectorate on the possible danger to the users and to the general public. Results indicate that there is little or no hazard to the users or the public provided the detectors are manufactured in accordance with safety requirements and are properly handled and installed. This has also been confirmed by other studies overseas.

Mr Ivan Baptist: Mr Speaker, Sir, does the Hon. Minister not realise that there are photo-electric smoke detectors available for protection from fires? Why are these not recommended?

Mr Barker: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have indicated in my answer that battery operated smoke detectors have appeared in Singapore. Such detectors have not been allowed to be sold freely and will not be allowed to be sold freely in the near future.

Mr Ivan Baptist: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am speaking about photo-electric smoke detectors which do not have the dangers of radiation that the ionization types have.

I have another supplementary question, Sir. How will the disposal of these ionization smoke detectors be carried out? Will the manufacturers take the responsibility of this disposal?

Mr Barker: Mr Speaker, Sir, as the Member is aware, the main problem of these detectors is, as he has put it, the disposal. Obviously the manufacturers will have to provide proper disposal measures before these detectors are sold or allowed to be sold on retail in Singapore.

Mr Ivan Baptist: Sir, does the Hon. Minister realise that about 75% of all fires in the homes begin as smouldering fires and the smoky fires which result are responsible for the fire fatalities? Consumer product tests show that photo-electric smoke detectors, the safer ones and no radiation possibilities, are more sensitive to smouldering fires than the ionization type. Why therefore risk the possibility of radiation contamination by allowing the ionization type detectors to be marketed?

Mr Barker: We have not allowed the ionization detectors to be marketed.

Mr Ivan Baptist: The Minister has mentioned that they are available.

Mr Barker: They are available but under very strict control. In fact, the Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in its draft report has recommended the unrestricted use of home smoke detectors provided they observe strict safety requirements. When the report is published, the Ministry will review the situation whether to exempt users from licensing requirements. But until then, we must have a strict supervision, licensing and, as the Member wants, proper maintenance.

Mr Ivan Baptist: Mr Speaker, Sir, there is a safe substitute. Why not just have that substitute and not the ionization type which could be dangerous, as the Hon. Minister has indicated just now?

Mr Barker: Mr Speaker, Sir, we are flexible. We have allowed one. We will allow the other with strict and proper control.