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Nuclear Safeguards Education Portal

Americium

A radioactive element with atomic number 95 and symbol Am. Isotopes of americium, which are formed by neutron capture or by the decay of 241Pu, are fissionable and may have the potential to be used in a nuclear explosive device. While not defined under the IAEA Statute as source material or special fissionable material, information on separated americium is collected by the IAEA under voluntary arrangements with relevant States. Americium has sometimes been referred to as an 'alternative nuclear material.'