if we do start to irradiate the mail, it might go a long way to easing the hysteria over radiation in general. Specifically, I'm thinking about irradiated food. NASA has used this technology for decades to kill bacteria in food. Without the bacteria, it doesn't need refrigeration as long as it's vacuum sealed and lasts for years without spoilage.

Imagine the consequences of this: over 4,000 Americans die of food poisoning each year and hundreds of thousands are sickened. One can only imagine what the numbers are worldwide, especially in undeveloped countries. That would be reduced or eliminated. We'd also reduce our need for so much refrigeration which means we'd need less energy for food processing and storage at grocery stores and in homes. We'd also greatly reduce the amount of food wasted by spoilage.

Why haven't we gone to this technology long ago? Well, a loud group of Luddites are afraid that, despite all of the studies showing the technology is safe, someone somewhere might somehow get sick as a result of irradiation. Rather than risk that, they seem happy to accept 4,000 deaths each year in America alone.

Now, I did hear one opposition spokesperson who made a sound argument against the technology. Her concern was that irradiation would kill the bacteria but as a result, food processors would feel free to be more sloppy with their procedures. We'd have to ensure they don't lower their cleanliness standards just because they use irradiation.