Could I Have Americium in My Blood Stream After Handling a Smoke Alarm?

[Collserra]

Okay so I just got my new geiger counter from ebay and was taking apart an old smoke alarm to get the americium out to test it with. I was cutting away the metal housing when all of a sudden their was a snap, the cutters had bent the metal around and it had cut me. I am very scared now that the housing might have have induced radioactivity in it or that it had minute particles of americium on it that are now in my bloodstream. Does anyone know if this might be true or if I am just overeacting to a minor incident. I measured the cut with my geiger counter and it read 0. But I just can't shake the feeling that I might have americium or radioactive housing in my bloodstream right now.

 

[waht]

There is a microgram sample of Am 241 in smoke detector and is housed inside a small metal disk structure. It's very unlikely that you have it on you. If you touched the metal structure with pliers and then you cut yourself, then nothing to worry about, but if you poked the center of the disk with pliers and then cut yourself, then the worst case scenario is you have a few atoms on you and will likely urinate them out of your system. Also Am 241 is pretty much an alpha emitter which is very weak, and many Geiger counters are not deigned to pick up alpha radiation, so that's why you might not be picking anything up, except beta from other decay products.

 

[quicknote]

I can assure you that it is highly unlikely for you to have americium in your bloodstream after handling a smoke alarm. The amount of americium used in smoke alarms is very small and is contained within the metal housing. Even if the metal housing did cut you, the chances of any americium particles entering your bloodstream are extremely low.

Furthermore, the geiger counter reading of 0 indicates that there is no detectable radiation in the area, which further supports the fact that there is no significant amount of americium present. It is also important to note that americium is a relatively low energy radioactive material and is not easily absorbed by the body.

In addition, smoke alarms are designed and regulated to be safe for consumer use, so it is unlikely that there would be any significant risk of exposure to americium. However, if you are still concerned, it is always best to consult a medical professional for further advice and peace of mind.

In conclusion, it is highly unlikely for you to have americium in your bloodstream after handling a smoke alarm. It is important to take precautionary measures when handling any potentially hazardous materials, but in this case, there is no need to panic or worry. Your safety is our top priority and we want to assure you that you are not at risk for any significant exposure to americium from handling a smoke alarm.