Burning 'electric' smell from iPad 2

I have had my iPad 2 for six months and use it several hours a day, everyday. Today I noticed a strange smell emitting from the device. It is not hot, or even the slightest bit warm to the touch. It is not plugged into the charger (hasn't been since last full charge from zero last night). Battery life seems slightly shorter over the last few weeks than when the iPad was brand new. This smell can't be normal, but it doesn't seem right, either. I'm afraid to plug in the device to recharge the battery and create a fire hazard! Any help out there?