Re: irradiated mail

[Tupin.Edward@epamail.epa.gov]

Another issue for consideration with irradiated mail is the plastics

involved.  The doses given are very large - 100,000 Rad (1000 Gray) or

more.  These doses can and do char some of the mail.  The plastic

windows in the plastic window envelopes disintegrate completely during

the process.  They are probably reduced to powder that ends up in the

mail handling equipment and mail rooms after irradiation.  The plastic

wrap that is around some mail is also greatly affected.  Some of the

plastics have some potentially noxious breakdown products.



Any body out there who has looked at degradation products of plastics

following high dose irradiation?



The opinions expressed here are personal and do not necessarily reflect

the position of the U.S. Government or the Environmental Protection

Agency



Edward A. Tupin, MS, CHP

tupin.edward@epa.gov

Health Physicist

Center for Radiological Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Response

US Environmental Protection Agency

(202) 564-9383





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