RADIATION RISK FROM ATOMIC CLOCKS “MINIMAL” SAYS AEC

Hoping to calm public concerns, The Atomic Energy Commission has released a statement saying that the risk of exposure to radioactive materials from aging atomic clocks is “Minimal.” Spokesperson Ryan Shiverdecker said that the agency has fielded several calls from concerned citizens with the popular and highly accurate timepieces on their mantels, walls and desks. “The warranties on many of these clocks expire on April 1^st, so people were understandably worried that if that the small amount of plutonium-238 that powers them were to leak, it would pose a health risk,” Shiverdecker said. “Even if such a leak were to occur, the risk would be very small, akin to drying one's genitalia in a microwave oven in most instances.” The Commision recommends that if you wake up on April 1^st with a pool of green liquid around your clock or all of your pets are mysteriously dead and glowing, that you carefully place the clock in a large baggie, seal it with duct tape and check with your local department of waste removal. Or just hit the snooze button.