Anthrax in the Workplace
In the fall of 2001, the word Anthrax became a household name almost overnight,
as reports of anthrax being sent in the mail to media outlets and government
officials filled the media. While your chances of receiving a letter or package
containing anthrax or another biological agent are extremely small, the possibility
does exist. It is therefore important that employees know how to deal with incoming
mail, particularly mail and packages that appear 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
PLEASE NOTE: If you 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
For more information on the symptoms and treatment of anthrax, please
go to: http://www.bphc.org/bphc/prepare_anthrax.asp.
For more info contact:
Public Health Preparedness
(617) 534-2333(phone)
(617) 534- (fax)
php@bphc.org
1010 Massachusetts Ave - 2nd Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02118
