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A New York Times article we found at SiliconValley.com explains the ongoing effort to sanitize suspicious mail through the use of "ion beam sterilization." But what will this mean for many items now commonly sent through the mail?

Here's how it works:

"The technology, known as ion beam sterilization, uses a particle accelerator to produce beams of electrons, which are then fired through mail. The electrons disrupt the DNA of any living things they encounter, killing them."

According to the article, the following changes may occur as a result of applying this technology:

1. Electronic circuits and data stored on magnetic media may be destroyed.

2. Inks in photographs may be altered.

3. Gemstones and glass could be discolored, i.e. clear glass could turn brown.

4. And? -- since the ion beams have not been broadly applied to substances other than food, little is known of the possible effects on a wide range of items usually found in the mail.

Comments: It has been observed that concerns over anthrax-dusted mail could compel many people to rely more on electronic mail (this is already occurring). Unfortunately, until teleportation is invented, those of us wishing to send packages have no options outside of federal or private physical mail delivery. Figure out a way to deliver packages over the Internet and the world will beat a path to your door. :-)

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