It seems that many post offices in the US are using electron beams to kill unwanted bacteria in packages. The consequences to stock photographers(and others) will be mostly in getting unexposed film to them via the mail system. From what I hear, it is the unexposed film that is affected by the electrons. For submitting exposed film for publication purposes, the irradiation should not pose a problem. Any other information on this subject would be appreciated. SR

-- Steve Rasmussen (srasmuss@flash.net), November 20, 2001

Answers

Steve (et al),

The pro labs I use (CPQ and San Miguel) have both issued statements telling their customers to not send unprocessed film to them via US Postal service for exactly the reasons you stated. However, they did say that processed negatives and transparencies sent to them for enlargement or reprints would be safe but recommended other private carriers for added security. I never did USPS for large orders but sometimes did for smaller jobs to save a few dollars. I've stopped since their warnings.

One other word on mail services. Pre 9/11 I would exchange information with a contact in Naples. The time in transit was generally 5 days or so. Since 9/11 it's been averaging 3 weeks. Any overseas transactions should be planned security (this experience is with US Air mail).

-- Scott Laughlin (scottlaughlin@mindspring.com), November 21, 2001.