CHEMICAL/BIO-TERROR PREVENTION 

PROTOCOLS FOR MAIL HANDLING  

DO NOT PANIC 

• Anthrax organisms can cause skin infection, gastrointestinal infection or pulmonary infection.  To do so, the organism must be rubbed into abraded skin, swallowed, or inhaled as a fine, aerosolized mist.  It does not leap into one’s body.  All forms of disease are generally treatable with antibiotics.  
• Anthrax cannot be easily aerosolized out of an envelope or package containing powder.  The same facts and conditions are generally true for other bacteria likely to be considered as biological weapons.  Because one tests positive for “exposure” does not mean infection will follow.  

General: 

• Every business, organization and household should assess and review protocols/procedures for handling mail.  Common sense and care should be used in inspecting and opening mail or packages.  Limited personnel (when possible) should monitor, inspect, open, and distribute mail.
• Examine unopened envelopes for foreign bodies, powders, oily stains, or written threats.
• Do not open letters with your hands; use a letter opener.  Open away from face.
• Open letters and packages with a minimum of movement to avoid spilling any contents.  Do not tap, compress, or shake envelope or package.
• Each organization should assess whether it is a possible target for criminal acts.  Based on this assessment, you may wish to take additional precautions, such as wearing gloves and restricting the opening of mail to a limited number of trained individuals.  Businesses/organizations should designate specific room/office for mail inspection, opening, distribution point.  

What Types of Letters May be Suspect: 

• Any letter or package that has suspicious or threatening messages on it.
• Letters with oily stains.
• Envelopes that are lopsided, rigid, bulky, discolored, or have a strange odor.
• Envelopes with no return address.
• Unexpected envelopes from foreign countries.
• No postage or non-cancelled postage.
• Improper spelling of common names, places, or titles.
• Return address and postmark unusual.  

For Suspect Envelopes:

• DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE OR PACKAGE.
• Place in two (2) zip-lock bags, or two (2) 10-gallon trash bags for large packages.
• Leave it in room, cover, conceal, secure room, and vacate room.
• Keep others from entering.
• Notify your supervisor; call 911.
• Wash hands, cold water/soap. 
• DO NOT TOUCH FACE.

  For Packages that are Opened & Which Contain Suspicious Material:    

• Do not clean up spill.  Leave envelope and contents in place.
• Cover spill/envelope with trash can, bags, clothing, etc.
• Secure room; turn off fans, ventilation system, and close windows.
• Notify supervisor; call 911.
• Once notification made and room secured, leave room.
• Do not physically contact anyone.
• Wash hands (cold water/soap).
• DO NOT TOUCH FACE.
• Remove clothing and place in double trash bag.  DO NOT reopen trash bag.  Wash hands/arms again.
• Wait for further instruction from Police/DEP/FBI.