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Originally posted by getreadyalready
Most "spores" are not harmed by irradiation. I don't think they are doing it wide scale yet, mostly because it is costly, dangerous, and arguably ineffective.
ABC News Article
It is being used in some places though, such as Congressional Offices and Whitehouse.
Mail Irradiation, US EPA
Is my mail is being irradiated?
Currently only mail to the White House, Congressional offices, and federal government offices in the 202-205 Zip Code exchanges is being irradiated. Irradiation is taking place at facilities in Ohio and New Jersey.
Are there changes to the mail after it has been irradiated?
Yes. Irradiating mail at such high intensity creates new compounds, which can result in a different look, feel, and even smell. The potential health effects of these changes is unknown. Because of the intensity of the beam, mail often looks yellowed, and can become brittle. Book bindings may become brittle, and plastic may be discolored. Seeds, plants or other biological material will be sterile, and photographic film will be useless. Items such as gem stones may be altered, and computer disks, CDs, and some electronic equipment (like personal digital assistants) may be damaged.
Have people complained of health problems from irradiated mail?
Some postal and federal workers have complained of skin irritation and respiratory problems associated with exposure to irradiated mail. However, there are no established health effects from the mail, and investigations into a these complaints are ongoing.
ETA:
Thanks a lot guys for making me look that up. I'm sure googling the term, "Are anthrax spores killed by radiation" won't put me on any FBI lists.edit on 23-2-2012 by getreadyalready because: (no reason given)