Irradiation Update: Irradiated mail is sterile and poses no hazard. It is not and cannot be radioactive. That's the message that USPS and NALC officials are sending to USPS employees.

USPS and NALC officials have worked together to compose a mandatory stand-up talk for employees, explaining how irradiation works, its effectiveness at rendering the mail safe from biohazards and how USPS is using the technology. The talk was e-mailed to facilities Jan. 25.

USPS is leasing irradiation facilities in Ohio and New Jersey to decontaminate mail and has issued contracts for purchase of irradiation equipment. When that happens, irradiation will be used on targeted mail, not all mail. Currently, the only mail being irradiated is destined for specific government offices in ZIP Codes 202, 203, 204 and 205. USPS says irradiating all mail simply is not practicable.

The FDA has extensively evaluated the safety of irradiation and found that using irradiation destroys disease-causing germs. Dangerous substances are not created. Irradiation can adversely affect some mailable products, such as biological samples, diagnostic kits, photographic film, food, eyeglasses and contact lenses. Electronic devices would likely be rendered inoperable and drugs and medicines also can be affected.

USPS will continue to take responsibility for selecting and implementing the best technology available to protect the health and safety of USPS employees and the public.

 Representative Picks Up Mail Satchel: Demonstrating his support for postal workers in the wake of the anthrax attacks, Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA) recently joined the ranks of city letter carriers for a day in Los Gatos, CA. Accompanied by letter carrier Jim Sullivan, the Congressman helped deliver 3,700 mailpieces to 369 addresses. "I thought it important to show my support for the Postal Service by learning first-hand about the job they do each day," said Honda.

The Congressman has been a strong advocate for dedicating more federal funding to protect USPS employees and the mail.

 Stolen Painting Recovered: Employees at USPS's Materials Distribution Center (MDC) in Topeka, KS, discovered a painting that authorities suspect is Marc Chagall's "Study for 'Over Vitebsk.'" The work of art was reported stolen from The Jewish Museum in New York City last June. If deemed authentic, the painting is valued at $1 million. Nice catch, MDC employees!