SUSPICIOUS SUBSTANCE HANDLING PROCEDURES

Many facilities in communities around the country have received suspicious packages or letters threatening an organization with a toxic substance, such as anthrax or ricin. Most of the packages or letters were empty, but some have contained powdery substances or fluids. The purpose of these guidelines is to recommend procedures for handling such incidents.

DO NOT PANIC

To cause an illness, most toxic substances must be rubbed into abraded skin, swallowed, or inhaled as a fine, aerosolized mist. Disease can usually be prevented by limited exposure, prompt washing with soap and water, and prompt recognition and medical treatment for the toxic substance in question.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A SUSPICIOUS LETTER OR PACKAGE

• Excessive postage
• Incorrect titles or title (but no name)
• Handwritten or poorly typed addresses and/or no return address
• Misspellings of common words
• Oily stains, discolorations or odor
• Powder or fluid leaking from the package or envelope
• Excessive weight and/or lopsided or uneven envelope
• Protruding wires or aluminum foil, excessive use of masking tape, string, etc
• A letter or note communicating a threat

WHAT TO DO WITH A SUSPICIOUS LETTER OR PACKAGE

• DO NOT shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.
• DO NOT try to clean up powders or fluids.
• PLACE the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents. If you do not have any container, then COVER the envelope or package with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trashcan, etc.) and do not remove this cover. Then, LEAVE the room and CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).
• WASH your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face or skin.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

• If you are at HOME ---- call 911.
• If you are at WORK ---- report the incident to 911 and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
• If possible, LIST all people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. Give this list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials for follow-up investigations and advice.
• Remove heavily contaminated clothing and place in a plastic bag that can be sealed; give the bag to law enforcement personnel.
• Shower with soap and water as soon as possible. Do not use bleach or disinfectant on your skin.