on 6/11/02 8:02 AM, T.Clausen@xxxxxxxxxxxx at T.Clausen@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> Walt,
>
> Informative message.
>
> What kind of radiation is used? It sounds pretty drastic.
I think they use gamma rays. When they started doing this there was a
graphic in the newspaper, the machine appears to be quite large, with a
conveyer feeding packages through it, and a rotating stage that circles the
package into a radiation chamber.
>
> And what is the safe procedure for mailing sensitive things, then? Other
> than not mailing it, that is.
I don't know... maybe FedEx?
>
> --thomas
>
> On Tue, 11 Jun 2002, Walt Wayman wrote:
>
>> Here's part of the notice that comes with nuked mail:
>>
>> While the irradiation process is safe, it can affect some products that
>> might be contained in this mail. The products on this list, if contained in
>> a package or envelope that has been irradiated, should not be used. You
>> should discard them and obtain replacements.
>> Any biological sample, such as blood, fecal samples, etc., should be
>> rendered useless.
>> Diagnostic kits, such as those used to monitor blood sugar levels, could be
>> adversely affected.
>> Photographic film will be fully exposed.
>> Food will be adversely affected.
>> Drugs and medicines may not be effective and their safety could be
>> affected.
>> Eyeglasses and contact lenses could be adversely affected.
>> Electronic devices would likely be inoperable.
>> While the irradiation process successfully kills anthrax, if your mail
>> contains any suspicious substances we urge you to set it aside and contact
>> local law enforcement authorities. This can help in the investigation.
>> The group of experts that tested the irradiation process was organized by
>> the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and included the
>> Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, the Food and Drug
>> Administration, the Department of Agriculture and the National Institute of
>> Standards and Technology.
>> We apologize for the delay in delivery of this mail and for any
>> inconvenience that may have resulted. Our primary interest is to assure
>> that this mail is safe before being delivered to you.
>> More information is available at 1-800-ASK-USPS. Thank you for
>> understanding.
>>
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