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306 comments on Iran -- Apocalypse Now?

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Everett on April 11, 2006 - 2:52pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
You cite 1.7x10-9 grams of AM-241 per gram of DU.  Your typical smoke detector has about 10-4 grams of AM-241, over 50,000 times as much.  One smoke detector would have as much Americium as several hundred rounds of DU ammunition.

As for neptunium 235, the web page that you link has an error. While it can alpha decay, this mode is very small compared to the electron capture to uranium 235. So even though neptunium 235 has a short half life,  it almost entirely contributes x-rays and low energy beta-rays if it is present, and almost no alpha particles.  

On a surreal note, at one time some people used uranium compounds as a treatment for diabetes, among other aliments.

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mcgowanjm on April 12, 2006 - 10:20am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
Thank you for the correction.

The implication being made in the article stated
that Americium was not the factor that Neptunium is, I think,
and that the combination of elements,especially with
Neptunium exacerbating the Uranium decay.

I am not a scientist(in this field). My close relative did electrical work
for Oppenheimer(the relative died of a brain tumor).

Again, thanx for the clarification.

James

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306 comments on Iran -- Apocalypse Now?

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