Anthrax organisms can cause infection in the skin, gastrointestinal system, or the lungs. To do so, the organism must be rubbed into abraded skin, swallowed, or inhaled as a fine, aerosolized mist. It is important to note that the attached guidance emphasizes
minimum disruption of suspect packages and their contents.

General Mail Handling

• Be observant for suspicious envelopes or packages.
• Open all mail with a letter opener or method that is least likely to disturb contents. Do not use hands.
• Open packages/envelopes with a minimum amount of movement.
• Do not blow into envelopes.
• Do not shake, pour out contents.
• Keep hands away from nose and mouth while opening mail.
• Wash hands after handling mail.

Some items that can trigger suspicion

• Discoloration, crystallization, strange odors or oily stains
• Envelope with powder or powder-like residue
• Protruding wires or aluminum foil
• Excessive tape or string
• Unusual size or weight given size
• Lopsided or oddly shaped envelope
• Postmark that does not match return address
• Restrictive endorsements such as "Personal" or "Confidential"
• Excessive postage
• Handwritten, block-printed or poorly typed addresses
• Incorrect titles
• Title but no name
• Misspellings of common words
• No return address
• Addressed to individual no longer with organization

How to handle a suspect package or letter

• Stay calm.
• Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious package or letter.
• Keep hands away from mouth, nose and eyes.
• Isolate the package or letter.
• Gently cover the envelope or package with anything available nearby (e.g. clothing, paper, inverted trash can, etc.) and do not remove cover.
• Contact the Police Department
• If an unknown substance spills from the package/envelope, do not try to clean up substance.
• Avoid creating air currents.
• Do not handle package/envelope any further.
• If material spills on floor avoid stepping near it. Avoid tracking any spilled materials to other locations.
• Wash hands with soap and water.
• Do not remove any potentially contaminated items from area.
• If contaminated, keep movements within the building to a minimum. This will keep contamination of building to a minimum. Remove heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible and gently to minimize dispersal.
• Notify others in the room, turn off fans/portable heaters, evacuate room and close the door.
• List all people who were in the room or area when the package or letter was recognized. Give this list to Police.

Disease can be prevented after exposure to the anthrax spores by early treatment with the appropriate antibiotics. Anthrax is not spread from one person to another person.

Sources and References

This document was written by the TAMU Environmental Health and Safety Department and the orginal document can be downloaded by clicking here