Abstract: The physical and chemical properties, exposure pathways, mechanism of effect and toxicity of Americium were summarized by reviewing the literature and databases on Americium at home and abroad. Human metabolic data and rules observed in some cases of Americium contamination were introduced, and the biological effects, toxicology and treatment progress of Americium were summarized. Americium mainly emits alpha rays. Although its penetration is weak, its internal contamination is highly toxic. Americium inhaled or ingested by humans from the environment, drinking water and physical objects will enter the blood through lungs, gastrointestinal tract or skin, migrate to multiple organs and tissues of the human body, and accumulate in the liver and bone, causing damage to the human hematopoietic system, lungs, liver, bone, reproductive system and so on, which could have a strong carcinogenic effect. In view of the high toxicity of Americium and other actinides to human body and the prolonged impact on the environment, it is necessary to strengthen the detection and regulation of radioactivity in the environment, drinking water and food, and to attach importance to the study of the biological effects of Americium and other actinides, so that Americium can play a positive role in energy, medicine, industry and other fields.

Key words: Americium, actinide, biological effect, toxicity