Could Irradiation Kill Anthrax?

B O S T O N, Oct. 18 -- As fears build over the spread of anthrax through the postal system, debate is emerging over whether the bacteria can be killed before it causes any harm.

Suggestions on how to decontaminate mail range from microwaving to household irons. In a laboratory setting, bacteria and bacterial spores are routinely killed with bleach, or by exposure to extremely high heat in what is called an autoclave.

But many experts agree that there is very little, if anything, you can do to kill bacteria short of destroying your mail.

"Steam irons are not going to get you where you need to be," said Dr. John Clements of Tulane University in New Orleans.

Can Irradiation Kill Anthrax?

There is a technology that certain companies believe will kill anthrax — irradiation.

Titan Corp. suggests its irradiation technology, currently used to kill harmful bacteria in foods such as meats, eggs and fresh produce, could be used to kill anthrax. The item in question is bombarded with electrons that kill bacteria.

When asked if use against anthrax was feasible, Clements said, "In theory, you could because radiation kills [anthrax] spores."

The company estimates that it would cost approximately one penny per letter to decontaminate mail. It added that irradiation works on everything except electronics, which could be damaged by the process.

Another company, Aramsco, is offering a decontamination service using gamma rays. It is sending out mail from clients to be irradiated by an anonymous company that normally uses the process on food.

"Anthrax is very easy to kill with irradiation," said Aramsco President Dave Naylor.

How It Works

In Titan's irradiation technology, ordinary electricity is used to create a beam of electrons. These electrons are accelerated and "shot" at the item to be sterilized. The beam that is generated is capable of penetrating the target up to a depth of 1 foot.

If the object being decontaminated is larger, X-rays can be used. The same electron beam is directed at a metal target, which generates X-rays. The X-rays are then capable of penetrating up to several feet.