Editing Alpha decay (section)

== Uses ==
[[Americium-241]], an [[alpha emitter]], is used in [[smoke detector]]s. The alpha particles [[ionize]] air in an open [[ion chamber]] and a small [[Electric current|current]] flows through the ionized air. Smoke particles from the fire that enter the chamber reduce the current, triggering the smoke detector's alarm.

[[Radium-223]] is also an [[alpha emitter]].  It is used in the treatment of skeletal metastases (cancers in the bones).

Alpha decay can provide a safe power source for [[radioisotope thermoelectric generator]]s used for [[space probe]]s<ref>{{cite web |url=http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/rps/rtg.cfm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807005925/http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/rps/rtg.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 August 2012 |title=Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator |work=Solar System Exploration |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=25 March 2013}}</ref> and were used for [[Artificial pacemaker|artificial heart pacemakers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://osrp.lanl.gov/pacemakers.shtml |title=Nuclear-Powered Cardiac Pacemakers |work=Off-Site Source Recovery Project |publisher=[[LANL]] |access-date=25 March 2013}}</ref> Alpha decay is much more easily shielded against than other forms of radioactive decay.

[[Static eliminator]]s typically use [[polonium-210]], an alpha emitter, to ionize the air, allowing the "static cling" to dissipate more rapidly.