Mail Safety
The anxiety of potentially being exposed to a biologic agent such as Anthrax
through a letter or package arriving in the mail was felt by many people in
the fall of 2001. The chances of receiving a letter or package containing a
bioterrorist agent are extremely small, but as an added measure of protection,
wash your hands after handling mail whether or not it looks suspicious. If you
receive an unexpected letter or package that has any of the following, treat
it as suspicious.
- No return address, or a return address that does not match the postmark
- Restrictive markings (such as "personal," "confidential")
- Unexpected with an international postmark
- More postage than the letter requires
- Misspelled words
- Addressed to a title rather than a person
- Wrong title with name
- Lopsided or uneven
- Rigid or bulky
- Strange odor
- Oily stains, discolorations, or crystallization on package
- Excessive taping or string
If you receive a letter or package that is considered suspicious, do not open
the item.
PLEASE NOTE: If you do receive a suspicious package,
do not take it anywhere, including to police, fire, hospitals, or health centers. Leave the item where it is and call 911 .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued general guidance
for individuals wishing to take extra precautions while opening their mail:
- Avoid vigorous handling of the mail, such as tearing or shredding mail before
disposal
- Keep mail away from your face when you open it. Don't smell, or taste contents,
and do not "blow" open an envelope
- Wash with soap and water if contact was made with letter/package
- Discard envelopes after opening mail
- For more information on mail handling safety, choose from the following
links:
Guidelines
for Mail Handling Safety in the Workplace
U.S.
Postal Services Guidelines
Federal
Bureau of Investigation Advisory
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
http://www.osha.gov/bioterrorism/anthrax/question5.html
For more information on the symptoms and treatment of anthrax, please go to
http://www.bphc.org/bphc/prepare_anthrax.asp.
