Anthrax: How To Reduce Your Risk

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How to Reduce Your Risk

The bioterrorism attacks in 2001 made many people understandably afraid to open their mail. But you can take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to anthrax.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established methods for dealing with suspicious mail. If you receive a piece of mail that looks unusual, contains a powdery substance, or somehow seems suspicious, the CDC recommends that you:

• Carefully and immediately lay the piece of mail on the nearest flat surface, leave the room, wash your hands with soap and water, and call 911 to find out what to do next.
• Do not attempt to inspect the suspicious piece of mail by bringing it near your face to view or smell.
• Do not carry the piece of mail around your office or home to show others.
• Do not place the piece of mail in a plastic bag or other container as previously suggested by federal officials. This may cause a disturbance of anthrax spores in the piece of mail and potentially unleash spores into the air.

Last updated:	June 20, 2008
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC