[20020327]RS21184_辐照邮件.pdf

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Update:Investigation of Bioterrorism-Related Anthrax Connecticut, 2001. December 7, 2001. Vol 48.No. 48. p. 1077.http:/www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5048a1.htm.Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21184March 27, 2002Irradiated Mailnae redactedScience and Technology AnalystResources, Science & Industry DivisionSummaryIn response to the mailings of the bioterror agent Bacillus anthracis, the U.S. PostalService has begun systematic sterilization of mail destined for federal government officesin the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The mail is sterilized using irradiation byelectron beam, a method widely used to treat food and medical devices. The USPS isconsidering expanding sterilization procedures to include all non-commercial mail. TheUSPS predicts that this may cost up to $2.25 billion and could start as early as FY2005.This report examines some of the issues surrounding benefits and problems with mailsterilization in general and with irradiation in particular. In addition to large capital andoperating costs,