We have read that an increasing amount of the US Mail in the Eastern US is now being routed through special facilities in Trenton, New Jersey and Cleveland, Ohio, for the purpose of irradiation to destroy the presence of any bio hazardous material. Contracts have been issued for purchase of new irradiation equipment to expand this practice to other areas of the country. Irradiation of the mail poses serious health concerns relating to shipments of health supplements, which is one of the reasons that we now have an option for FedEx delivery. There are some very important health issues that you need to know about.

Many health supplements contain iodine in various forms. Iodine readily picks up and retains radiation. Radioactive iodine is often used by the medical profession to kill the thyroid gland in people with overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Thyroid hormones contain altered forms of iodine in their molecules. T4 thyroid hormone is four atoms of iodine in its molecule, T3 is three atoms of iodine, and so on. Kelp products contain iodine, and so do many vitamin and mineral supplements. What happens when these health supplements are irradiated?

We do know that health supplements with expensive and extremely beneficial live bacteria cultures will certainly be destroyed. What about vitamins, phytochemicals, and prized herbal extracts? Even the US Postal Service knows that these may be destroyed or damaged.

We doubt that anyone really knows for sure the full extent of the answers to any of these questions. We do know that above ground nuclear testing in Nevada during the mid 20th century caused serious soil contamination in downwind areas. That soil contamination related to the irradiation of iodine in the soil and later resulted in thyroid related health problems in regions that were downwind. Without detracting from the subject at hand, it should be mentioned that irradiation of foods of all kinds is now a widespread practice, and it is important to consider that iodized salt (added iodine) is used in many prepared foods. What consequences might exist? Here again is a good reason to support your local health food store and buy organic foods when at all possible.

We have heard that packages from known mailers such as Express Mail (overnight) with meter strips or corporate accounts, Priority Mail with meter strips or permit indicia and registered mail is not currently being irradiated. This means that if you intend to mail a package containing any food or health supplement, you should take it to the counter at your post office and have a meter strip affixed. Also is would be advantageous to use a printed label with the return address clearly marked.

We have also heard that even then there is no absolute assurance that a package will not be irradiated, considering the large volume of mail that is being processed. Obviously, it could depend on where the package is being shipped. Most of all, it is important to consider that the US Postal service is not going to divulge a method by which terrorists could circumvent their system.

Postal authorities say that only mail to government facilities in zip codes ranges 202-205 is being irradiated, yet we have heard that massive amounts of mail destined to areas of the Eastern US is likely being routed through the New Jersey and Ohio irradiation facilities.

What does the future hold? We believe that it is very important to keep all of these things in mind as you plan for the future. If you continue to receive shipments of health supplements or medications through the US Mail, you should take serious thought about the implications. No matter how careful companies are with their US Mail packages, corporate accounts, meter strips, indices, etc., there is no guarantee whatsoever that your products won't be irradiated. The problem is going to get worse, not better, as new equipment is installed around the country. If the US Postal Service was to tell you a surefire method that your package would not get irradiated, then they would also be providing an avenue for terrorists to slip by the system. You can rest assured that none of us will ever be told the full extent and implications concerning the ongoing US Mail irradiation program.

We are constantly keeping very close watch on all of these situations, and we are doing everything possible to assure that the products you receive from us are safe. Please consider the following as you contemplate the entire situation:

When you place your order and choose your shipping method, please consider the items you are purchasing. If you are ordering items like probiotics, vitamins, enzymes, powdered drinks, videos or electronics, please consider choosing FedEx. It may be a bit more expensive but at least you know your items will not be irradiated.

As of the date of this statement, NotDoctors.com has not had any reports of problems from its customers choosing to ship via USPS Priority Mail. Because the situation promises to get worse, NotDoctors.com cannot be held responsible if you choose to have sensitive items shipped via USPS Priority Mail. Absolutely no returns can be made on such items. It is the customers decision whether or not to take this risk. Please think about this carefully before you choose your shipping method.