  We discuss effects in beta decays at very low beta energies, of the order of
the kinetic energies of atomic electrons. As the beta energy is lowered the
atomic response changes from sudden to adiabatic. As a consequence, the beta
decay rate increases slightly and the ejection of atomic electrons (shake off)
and subsequent production of X rays is turned off. We estimate the transition
energy and the change in decay rate. The rate increase is largest in heavy
atoms, which have a small Q value in their decay. The X ray switch-off is
independent of Q value.
