americium-241

Americium-241 is a radioactive element used mainly in smoke detectors and scientific research. It emits alpha particles, which are a type of radiation that can be stopped by a sheet of paper or skin. While it’s radioactive, the small amount in smoke detectors makes it safe for everyday use, because the alpha particles cannot penetrate your skin. However, handling larger quantities requires precautions to prevent inhalation or ingestion. Americium-241’s radiation properties also make it useful in industrial applications and in testing the sensitivity of radiation detectors. It’s a man-made element, produced in nuclear reactors.