Chunk of Graphite in a Co-60 field and Slab of Paper in an Electron Beam: Typical Applications of Atomic Physics

When the atomic physicist measures or computes, applications of their results may not be immediately obvious. However, atomic data form the basis of many mature and developing applications. Two of these applications and their dependence on data are reviewed here. In particular, the national standard for radiation exposure and the processing of the United States mail with radiation are discussed.