RE: irradiation

I heard one source claim that they were using alpha radiation.  In that
case aluminum foil would be fine, as alpha radiation is basically
acclerated helium atoms, which can be stopped by nearly anything, including
a sheet of paper, like the envelope.  Of course this would sterilize the
outside of the envelope, but not the inside.

I also heard that they are using gamma radiation, which packs lots of
penetrating punch.  This would certainly sterilize the contents of the
envelope regardless of wether it was seeds, anthrax, or live plants.  It
would also expose film, damage a wide variety of semi-precious stones, and
certain other materials.

Gamma irradiation units large enough to sterilize whole pallets exist, but
are expensive to purchase and operate, and require specially trained
operators.

In so far as I am aware, radiation has been initiated, and is intended to
be operated on, only certain units of mail in NY and DC.  Although I don't
actively trade genetic material much anymore, I do listen in on half a
dozen or more different trading lists, forums, BBS's, etc.  I am not aware
of anyone who has used the US mail to trade seeds, plants, mushroom spores
or mushroom cultures who has experienced damaged or killed materials that
they felt were attributable to anything other than general mishandling.

Right now, I would feel confident sending most seed and plant material
through the US mail, except very difficult to replace specimens being
shipped to DC and NY, in which case I would probably opt for an alternative
carrier.

Of course that's just me, you've got to make your own path.

Be well,
And thanks for flying!
Glider Onair

At 10:21 AM 2/21/2002 -0600, you wrote:
>>If the seeds are wrapped in aluminum foil, will the radiation still get
>>through?
>>
>>Paul
>
>
>It is my understanding that alum. foil would offer NO protection.
>
>However, from another list:
>
>
>At 10:02 AM -0500 2/21/02, B...@aol.com wrote:
>>The
>>latest information posted on the Postal Service website states
>>"Currently, the only mail being irradiated is destined for specific
>>government offices in ZIP Codes 202, 203, 204 and 205."
>
>
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