Mail Irradiation

Irradiated mail is passed through a high-energy beam of electrons or x-rays.

   •   Irradiation sterilizes mail; it does not make mail radioactive.

   •   Mail irradiation can damage many plastics and make paper brittle.

About Mail Irradiation

In October 2001, deadly anthrax was found in mail sent to various news
agencies and to the offices of two U.S. Senators. As a precaution, the U.S.
Postal Service, with help from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and public
health experts, began to irradiate mail.

The irradiation process passes mail through a high-energy beam of electrons or
x-rays. It delivers a radiation dose that is approximately 2 million times stronger
than a chest x-ray. The beam penetrates deep into the mail to destroy bacteria
and viruses. It can even penetrate letter trays and packages.

The radiation has so much energy that it causes chemical changes  in the paper.
The mail comes out brittle and discolored. It looks like it has been baked in an
oven and may have an odd smell. The large amounts  of high energy used
in irradiation will turn plastics brown and warp the cases of computer
discs (See the image above, at right).  However,  irradiating mail does not
make it radioactive.

Radiation levels are closely monitored at mail irradiation facilities to
ensure that workers are safe. The facilities have very thick concrete or
lead-lined walls shielding the exposure rooms. This ensures that
employees and visitors are protected from harmful radiation.
                                                                          Irradiating mail can make it
                                                                           dry, brittle or discolored.
Rules and Guidance
U.S. POSTAL SERVICE (USPS)
                                 Remember: Irradiation does
                                 not make mail radioactive.

                                                                       Mail irradiation facilities have
                                                                      special procedures in place to
                                                                          keep workers safe.
USPS employs contractors who
irradiate mail that is sent to some government agencies. Irradiating mail
ensures that those receiving the mail will not be exposed to harmful
biological materials such as anthrax.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS), U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE
CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)

CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted three health hazard
evaluations on the handling of irradiated mail in response to health complaints from some individuals who
handled it.
  United States Environmental Protection Agency |  Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (6608T) | EPA 402-F-14-019 | August2014 | p. 1

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS), U.S. FOOD AND DRUG
ADMINISTRATION (FDA)

FDA protects public health and safety by setting rules for the manufacturing of products that emit radiation.
These include equipment for mail irradiation.

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)

Federal and state agencies use EPA's federal guidance to develop rules and regulations that protect radiation
workers and the general public from unnecessary exposure to radiation. These rules are used to protect
radiation workers from harmful effects during the irradiation process.

What you can do

There are no radiation concerns with handling irradiated mail. Irradiation does not make the mail radioactive. It
simply exposes the mail to high-energy beams that kill any bacteria.

Where to learn  more

You can learn more about irradiated mail by visiting the resources available on the following webpage:
http://www.epa.gov/radtown/mail-irradiation.htmltflearn-more.
  United States Environmental Protection Agency | Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (6608T)  | EPA 402-F-14-019 | August2014 | p. 2

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