William Robb wrote: > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Shel Belinkoff" > Subject: Re: Lens Fungus and Irradiated Mail - Is the Sky > Falling? > > > Has irradiation, of the type proposed to be used by the USPS, > been shown > > to cause problems with film? If so, what problems? Or is > this another > > "internet-sky-is-falling" worry based on assumption rather > than fact or > > even anecdotal evidence. What's being proposed is not X-rays, > which can > > sometimes cause problems, but something other. > > Good point. However, most any radiation can affect a film > emulsion, and if the USPS is planning this as an anti terrorist > measure to kill anthrax spores and the like, the amount of > irradiation would be quite high.
I've heard in a couple of places, most recently last night on NPR, that they're going to use some sort of electron radiation to start with. Apparently, this isn't as strong as x-rays, and will only be used on letters, not packages. It can't penetrate very far, so it wouldn't work on anything else. Also, they'll only be doing it to mail heading to the White House or Congress, or other similar high profile destinations. Supposedly they're exploring other options, including x-rays and gamma rays for the future. tv - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
