Amber 2, Oh the humanity

[rstephen <rstephen@cswnet.com>]

Hello all,

I understand the list server is(was) having trouble with my post. Here =
is the latest effort to upload my .02$ worth.

I never thought I would see this day come. If I remembered how to sign =
up right or not(apparently not) you=B9ll be seeing me as =
=B3rstephen@cswnet.com=B2. I finally (thought i had)have a true =
internet connection, nearly unlimited use for $20. Although I surely =
have not got it all figured out just yet I already know I like the =
little extra effort required because of the depth and breadth of the =
net was a long gaze away compared to true internet access. 
(As per amber smells)
The tiny bits of amber were associated with crude lenses of lignitic =
coal, and were in contact with the Edmontosaur bones we recovered. =
There were some other interesting odors, and some were not that =
=B3fresh=B2, if you know what I mean. I suppose I am asking if there is =
any documentation of the health risk associated with field excavations. =
The dust alone would seem to expose one to silicosis(sp?), under some =
conditions. Ancient gases just might also contain some organism, or =
spore thereof, that was harmful. Also, some older bones are =
radioactive, mildly yes but still much higher than the general =
background. Is there anyone that has done studies on the human risk =
involved in field work beyond the broken toe, snake bite, or falling =
into a ravine? Not that those risks aren=B9t very real and must be =
guarded against. I guess I=B9m wondering if it was such a hot idea =
smelling that amber. ( not that I =B3snuffed=B2 it up my nose!). Still =
I did pull in billions of particles of very old stuff.(see last =
posting). 

Do not get me wrong on any of this. I would go dig bones even if I had =
to were a moon suit! It is just short of finding a stream bank =
glittering with exposed nuggets, to me. I do not care if the nuggets do =
not come home with me! I helped rob the elements of an assured victory! =
HA-HA TAKE THAT MOTHER NATURE! (No anti-ecology hate-mail please, I=B9m =
sortta kiddin, I would not start a strip mine or anything just to get =
perfect, intact, specimens would I? :) ).

Sorry, got carried away there, anyway I would like to know what might =
one be exposing ones self to grubbing away after bones? (and sorry for =
the length and related internet issues).

Roger A. Stephenson
rstephen@cswnet.com