How can families reduce the risk of exposure to americium?
Higher-than-normal levels of americium may be in soil near a nuclear waste site, nuclear reactor, or plant that manufactures ionization smoke detectors. Consequently, prevent your children from eating dirt and make sure they wash their hands frequently. In the unlikely case that you are exposed to high levels of radioactive americium because of accidental release at a manufacturing facility, at a nuclear plant, or because a nuclear weapon has been damaged or detonated, follow the advice of public health officials who will publish appropriate guidelines for reducing exposure.
