AMERICIUM
The element americium is designated by the abbreviation "Am". It is in the group of actinides of the 7th period of the periodic table. Its melting point is measured at 1449 K (1176 ° C or 2149 ° F) and its boiling point at 2284 K (2011 ° C or 3652 ° F). It is solid in room conditions. It has a density similar to lead. It has a silver-white color. There is no isotope that occurs in the natural environment, all isotopes are created in the laboratory environment. Since americium was first produced in America, it got its name from this country.
Americium; It is used as a portable source of gamma rays and alpha particles for use in medicine, science and industry. It is also used as the main material in nuclear research to make heavier elements. The isotope 241Am is used in very small quantities in "ionization chamber" smoke detectors. 1 gram of americium dioxide provides enough active ingredient for more than three million household smoke detectors.
People working in nuclear power plants and people living near nuclear power plants may be exposed to this chemical element at higher rates. Damage to organs from americium exposure is unlikely to humans because americium can only accumulate in organs for a short time. Isotopes of americium degrade very slowly in the environment and as a result can cause damage to plants and animals.
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