Re: X rays, high altitude, and floppy disks

[William V Lipton <liptonw@dteenergy.com>]

Al foil is not effective for shielding from x-rays, but would be an
effective emf shield; so emf may be the problem.

The opinions expressed are strictly mine.
It's not about dose, it's about trust.

Bill Lipton
liptonw@dteenergy.com

"Paul R. Steinmeyer" wrote:

> Hello All;
>
> I recently got a question from a software distributor regarding
> radiation effects on the software they distribute overseas (out of the
> US).  Their observation is that approximately 1 in 5 floppy diskettes
> are damaged while being shipped overseas; this problem does not occur in
> domestic shipments.  They assumed that the damage is caused by x rays
> used by customs inspection.  The damage is usually on the diskettes
> closest to the exterior of the package, and they say that wrapping their
> disks in aluminum foil eliminates the problem.
>
> Based on threads regarding radiation at high altitudes, my guess is that
> the long flight at high altitude might be a more likely culprit.
>
> Can anyone confirm of correct me?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Paul R. Steinmeyer
> Radiation Safety Associates, Inc.
> RSA Laboratories, Inc.
> mailto:prstein@radpro.com
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