[Geysers] Dead rodents on photographic paper

[Powell, Richard L]

The reported exposure of photographic paper by placing a dead rodent on it
needs more explanation, e.g. was the critter still juicy enough to 
chemically alter the paper regardless of the presence of radium. 
Radiation poisoning from exposure to radon, particularly from "radon 
daughters" is rare in open landscapes, but deadly to uranium miners, 
paricularly smokers, and to some extent a cause of lung cancers in coal 
miners, as well as unknown consequences of exposure to spelunkers in 
some areas.

I would contend that silicosis from inhaling steam vapor a greater 
threat   than radiation poisoning in Yellowstone N. P. But I would not 
consider
silicosis from geyser steam a reasonable concern.

Dick Powell
Certified radion technician circa 1978