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08 February 2012

Answer to Question #4263 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Industrial Radiation — Industrial Applications

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

What industrial uses are made of the radioisotope americium 241? Are there any concerns regarding its chemical properties?

Americium-241 (²⁴¹Am) is used in many detectors to measure (1) smoke in homes, (2) toxic lead in old wall paint, (3) the thickness of foil and paper while in production, and (4) water moisture or hydrocarbons (oil). The first three industrial sources, use the alpha particles or low energy x rays emitted from a sealed source of ²⁴¹Am; while the water/oil gauges mix ²⁴¹Am with beryllium in a sealed source.

The chemical properties of the ²⁴¹Am are of concern if the sealed source leaks and is ingested. Am-241 behaves chemically like calcium and will go to the bones, thus causing the major portion of a person's radiation dose (exposure). The physical properties, specifically particle size, are of concern if the sealed source leaks and is released into the air. The particle size helps to determine how much ²⁴¹Am might be inhaled and where it might be deposited in the lungs, both affecting the persons ultimate radiation dose.

John P. Hageman, MS, CHP

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