interesting thought, hopefully some science types among us will chime in. I might be a little worried about metal in the mail (staples, paperclips, etc).

Probably not. The way you turn a bacterium into a spore is by stressing the hell out of it (i.e., UV light, heat, acid, etc). Each species has its own susceptibilities and causalities for spore forming.

However, I haven't checked to see if antrhax is one that spore forms when microwaved. I'll look into it.

It would work on bacteria, but what people are being exposed to are spores which are smaller and have less moisture than bacteria. The way microwaves destroy bacteria is by heating the moisture in the bacteria and causing it to explode. Because spores are much drier and smaller, a microwave will not work.

hahahahaha!!! that's it!! it's a fiendish plan to get americans so upset that they burn their own houses down! hahahahaha!

dep

Are you stupid, walking around with an envelop in your house with Antrax is a sure way to die:

1) Check your mail outside
2) If you have handled something suspicious have a neighbor call 911

DO NOT YOURSELF GO INSIDE AND HANDLE YOUR PHONE AS GETTING ANTHRAX ON YOUR PHONE IS, WELL, DUMB.

Didn't work on my ex-wife's cooking, but it really took care of the botulism.

It should work. As for how long, I don't know, but if the envelope is steaming, that's probably enough. By the way, this is not in any way an informed medical opinion.

Microwave ovens are used to lyse bacterial cells very effectively. They can be lysed in very short order.

But cell lysis can only be reliably counted upon, if the cells are viable and aqueous.

Bacterial spores (such as those of Anthrax) are completely dehydrated (they contain no water). Since microwave ovens heat by exciting water molecules with RF energy, I don't think they would be very effective against spores.

I'm afraid microwaving will have little effect (I'm an electromagnetics consultant). From what I hear, intense UV is the best bet.

Don't forget to first wrap it in tin foil.

Hell, why not? I'm boiling mine, soon to be moving the to the grill.LOL. Good job, possum, nice work, JL

We agree

LOL!!! hope she doesn't cruise FR. If she does, don't forget to fluff the couch a little...;-)

I have been successful running all my mail in the Kitchen Aid dishwasher with double soap and 'Sani-Wash'. No kidding. So far no Anthrax and less junk mail.

I didn't want to post a separate thread, but will sticking my head in the microwave kill my hangover?

I heard that sunlight kills anthrax quickly. I can see it now - people all over the US spreading their mail out on the lawn!

I've found a good way to deal with mail:

1.Separate bills and junk mail from checks.
2. Hold checks up to light, make sure they have a matching return address and post office stamp.
3. Burn all other letters in a mini webber grill by the front door.

Putting just one envelope in the microwave is essentially the same as putting nothing in the microwave. Microwave ovens don't like to be operated with nothing in them!

Better put a glass of water in there, too.

How about if we mist a little water on the envelope prior to nuking it?