Mail Irradiation May Destroy Memory CardsMail Irradiation May Destroy Memory Cards

The irradiation process being used by the U.S. Postal Service to decontaminate mail and protect against anthrax threats can destroy an increasingly popular form of computer memory, warns a trade group.

The warning applies to compact flash memory cards, commonly used for data storage in digital cameras and handheld computers. But other sorts of semiconductors may also be affected, says the CompactFlash Association.

In response to concerns over anthrax attacks, the U.S. Postal Service in October began using electron beam irradiation systems to destroy biohazardous material in the mail. The CompactFlash Association now says that process can irrevocably damage flash memory, causing loss of data and rendering the cards inoperable.

According to a postal service spokesman, the postal service is aware of the potential risk and is working to identify electronics that could be damaged by irradiation. In the meantime, however, the risk is low, since the sterilized mail only goes to a handful of recipients, all of whom are informed in advance that the process will occur. "We're irradiating mail going to federal agencies and high-profile media outlets," said the spokesman, "generally not mail going to Mom and Pop."