Nitrogen in explosives

[HWADE@aol.com]

Group:
As has been said, explosives can be detected via the neutron activation of
the ubiquitous nitrogen in them. What has not been said is that nitrogen is
also ubiquitous in other substances, e.g., cosmetics.
When the excited state of nitrogen decays, with the emission of a high-energy
gamma, it decays to C14. Thus, when one's cosmetics go through the airport
explosives detection system they are made radioactive (deadly radioactivity
to the press and to regulators).
Subsequently one often rubs this radioactive cosmetic substance on
intimate/sensitive parts of one's body. 
If one wishes to follow ALARA, use such cosmetics sparingly.
PS  Don't forget that carbon is incorporated into DNA.
Wade Patterson