Re[2]: X rays, high altitude, and floppy disks

[james.m@atomcon.gc.ca]

    If the protective wrapping is aluminum foil, it shouldn't make any 
    difference to magnetic fields.
    Mike James


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: X rays, high altitude, and floppy disks 
Author:  <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu> at INTERNET
Date:    1999-12-21 5:36 PM


Paul,
    I would, as Roy Parker already stated, suspect the issue is magnetic
fields. The transformers in the power supply for the x-ray tube high 
voltage, electric motors or other sources of magnetic fields. The only way 
to resolve the problem is to review handling in transit and keep the 
magnetic media a reasonable distance from any devices which are capable of 
generating magnetic fields. I don't think it is possible for the x-rays to 
damage data stored on the disks. One other remote possibility to rule out is 
a bad lot of floppies.
    
George Andrews, RRPT
mauser2@erols.com
N1YAE  FN31
    
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul R. Steinmeyer" <prstein@gyral.com>
To: "Multiple recipients of list" <radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu> 
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 1999 2:46 PM
Subject: X rays, high altitude, and floppy disks
    
    
> 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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