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USPSNewsbreak |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 4, 2001 USPS reiterates its position on irradiating mail
The Postal Service said today it will continue to take the lead and full responsibility for selecting and implementing the best technology available to protect the health and safety of USPS employees and the public. It noted that it is taking extraordinary measures to ensure the security and safety of the mail. USPS said among the measures being implemented is a process for irradiating the mail to destroy any biohazardous material. The Postal Service currently is leasing irradiation facilities in Ohio and New Jersey to decontaminate mail. USPS has issued contracts for purchases of irradiation equipment and said these contracts remain in place. The Postal Service also noted that - as it has said before - irradiation will be used on targeted mail, not all mail. Recognizing the extraordinary expense these national security measures will take, PMG Jack Potter testified before the Senate that USPS would need $1.1 billion through next June to implement full safety and security measures, including protect-ive equipment for employees, detection and filtering equipment to be placed at mail processing equipment, and irradiation and mail decontamination equipment. USPS said it will continue to utilize a variety of technologies and will use all methods that prove effective, safe, cost-effective, and can be integrated into its mail processing system. USPS said it is fully committed to detecting and removing biohazards from the mail. It said the safety of employees and the public is paramount and that it will do whatever it takes to ensure the security of the mail. ### |