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The Northways and McVeys are now back in their decontaminated houses. The Kellogg Co. says that it will pay for all damages. The AEC has suspended Kellogg's license to use radioactive materials pending hearings. It does not believe that anyone's health has been damaged, and it deplores the idea that any persons concerned might contaminate third parties. Commissioner Willard F. Libby pointed out that iridium 192 has a rather short half-life of 75 days. Mere passage of time will eliminate any overlooked traces.
But the Northways have not cheered up. The neighbors still shun them, and if they have to sell their house, they anticipate difficulty. And H. E. Northway does not believe that buyers will listen to long-haired talk about the short half-life of iridium 192. "No one wants a radioactive home," he says glumly.