[jpstewart]

I recently bought some RAM off of ebay and the seller made a point of telling me that he lined the package with aluminum foil "in case it gets x-rayed".  I'm curious as to why that might be necessary.  I don't think x-rays will harm a couple of DIMMs in a box, but I don't really know.  So do any of the electronics experts here think there's any point to that? 

I know I've heard plenty about x-ray inspection systems being used in the manufacturing process.  I doubt they'd do that if x-rays were harmful to the chips. 

And does a thin piece of aluminum foil provide much protection, if the x-rays are harmful?

It's even stranger (at least to me) since the memory is being sent domestically.  I've only ever heard of packages being x-rayed by customs when they enter the country.

I kind of figure that if the package does get x-rayed and the foil blocks them from seeing inside the package, the authorities would assume it contains contraband of some sort.  Which might not be the best way to ensure the product arrives here!

Anyway, if anybody has any thoughts on protecting RAM from x-rays with aluminum foil I'd like to hear them.  It's definitely not my area of expertise but certainly doesn't seem like a worthwhile thing to do.  Or does that seller know something I don't?