Word: nuclei
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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They are probably right. Americium emits almost exclusively alpha particles, the nuclei of helium atoms produced by the isotope's slow decay into lighter elements. The alpha particles are so weak that they remain confined inside the victim's body. While contagion is virtually impossible, this is only slight comfort to the victims. As americium spreads through the body, it may linger in such areas as the liver, spleen and lymph system and eventually settle into the marrow of the bones. According to Pittsburgh Radiologist Niel Wald, a leading radiation specialist, the effect over a year-long period...