Answers
02/09/1988

<TITLE>3M Static Eliminator</TITLE>
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                             3M STATIC ELIMINATOR 
    The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued an order to Minnesota Mining 
and Manufacturing Company (3M) suspending the distribution of some static 
elimination devices which use radioactive polonium and are used in
manufacturing facilities where beverages, cosmetics, devices and drugs are
made.  The NRC order followed a report that some of the devices were leaking
small amounts of polonium-210.
    FDA has begun to receive inquiries concerning the effects the leaking 
devices might have on these FDA-regulated products.  The following can be used
to respond to inquiries.
    FDA is working closely with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and state 
health officials to determine whether any FDA-regulated products are
contaminated.  At this time, FDA-regulated products are being sampled and 
tested but no product has been found to be contaminated.  FDA continues to
believe, based on currently available evidence, that there is no health hazard
or risk to public health.  Therefore there is no evidence to support a product
recall at this time.
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