Allen wrote

> However, one anecdotal report I heard (that may actually refer to using
> radioactive substances rather than electron beam) mentioned that "...after
> 3 or 4 trips the wood became so punky he could push his finger through it
> and nails kept falling out".  If this is the case, we are wondering how
many
> times the equipment can go thru the electron beam and still be useable.

Here in Australia we regularly use irradiation for sterilisation of boxes
and combs (not brood combs) for AFB.  I have not come across the problems
Allen has above.  The only "odd thing" is that some of the old plastic queen
excluders go a pink colour after they have been through the plant.  They do
not seem to be weak in any way but then I put them in a corner for emergency
use only.

As the same irradiation process is used for a lot of medical equipment and
condoms, you would hope Allen's scenario does not apply.

Trevor Weatherhead
AUSTRALIA
>