Re: Static eliminator in copy machines -Reply, Terminology

["Thomas J. O'Dou" <tom_dixie@email.msn.com>]

In further response to Mr. Jo's question, the sources I was indicating on
copying machines are small plastic beads attached to aluminum rails with a
small screen over the source.  The units are not sealed sources and are
distributed (or were distributed) under a general license by 3M company.

Tom O'Dou
radware@msn.com

----------
> From: Charles Willis <CAW@nrc.gov>
> To: Multiple recipients of list <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu>
> Subject: Static eliminator in copy machines -Reply, Terminology
> Date: Wednesday, April 29, 1998 5:04 AM
> 
> Good Morning,
> 
> Mr. Jo asked about "static eliminators that contain radioactive
material."  This
> prompts me to suggest a more careful use of the language.  We know that
all real
> material is radioactive, yet we use the expression "radioactive material"
as though
> we are discussing something special and perhaps unusual.  This does not
pose
> difficulties in understanding Mr. Jo's question but it complicates life
in general,
> specifically in communications with patients, members of the public, and
others.  So
> long as people think of  "radioactive material" as something new, we can
expect
> our public relations problems to grow.  It is not much more difficult to
be more
> specific: "especially radioactive," "sealed source," "licensed
radioactive material,"
> etc.
> 
> Charlie Willis
> caw@nrc.gov