October 16, 2001

Mail and Package Handling and Security

In recent days, we all have heard about a small number of cases in which individuals have been exposed to anthrax spores in powdery or granulated substances found in pieces of mail in Washington, Nevada, and Florida, and at ABC and NBC in New York City. Although the possibility that any one of us might be exposed remains remote, it is natural to be concerned. We should exercise increased care in handling mail at this time.

I thought it might be helpful to share information that we have received from the U.S. Postal Service, New York Police Department, and other experts. I have included below:

• how to identify potentially dangerous mail, related to biohazards and other possible threats;
• what to do if you are concerned about a package or possible exposure;
• where to find some basic information about anthrax.

I also want you to know that Columbia Mail Services is taking extra precautions in handling and screening mail as it is processed and also is working with Security and the New York Police Department in the event that a suspect package is identified.

However, you are in the best position to know if a letter or package addressed to you is suspect, and you should exercise caution, as well. This applies to campus mail, postal mail, and letters and packages from Federal Express, UPS, other shipping companies, and messenger services, which are delivered directly to academic and administrative departments.

Look for a combination of the following indicators of packages that may be dangerous:

• No return address
• Return address that does not match the postal stamp
• Unfamiliar return address or sender
• Excessive postage
• Stains or discolorations (may indicate presence of a substance other than paper)
• Strange odor
• Rigid or bulky packaging
• Lopsided, empty, or uneven envelope
• Excessive tape or string
• Address to titles or departments without names
• Incorrect titles
• "Confidential," "Personal," "Private," or similar restrictive markings
• Misspelled words
• Uneven lettering
• Badly typed or written address
• Excessive weight
• Protruding wires or aluminum foil
• Ticking sound

If you receive a suspect letter or package:

1. Do not handle the piece of mail or package suspected of contamination. Do not move the package; don't shake it or smell it.
2. If the package has been opened or an unidentifiable substance spills out of it, do not attempt to clean up or have any additional contact with the substance or packaging.
3. Leave the package where it is. Everyone present should leave the room.
4. Call Security: x99 from any ROLM phone, 854-5555 on Morningside campus, 305-8100 on the Health Sciences campus.
5. Everyone who has touched the piece of mail or package should wash his or her exposed skin - hands and arms - with warm water and soap.
6. Provide a list of everyone who came into contact with the package to Security.
7. Follow all instructions of law enforcement and medical personnel.

If you believe you may have been exposed to a contaminant:

1. Call Security to seek medical assistance: x99 from any ROLM phone, 854-5555 on Morningside campus, 305-8100 on the Health Sciences campus.
2. Wash your hands with warm water and soap.
3. Place clothing worn at the time in a plastic bag.
4. Shower with warm water and soap as soon as possible.
5. Follow the instructions of medical personnel, including testing and treatment if prescribed.

It is important to note that from the moment of possible exposure, several days remain in which to begin treatment. Treatment initiated at the onset of symptoms - which appear in one to seven days - is highly effective in treating cases of anthrax infection.

More information on anthrax:

Click to read a recent letter from Dr. Jane Bedell, Medical Director of Columbia's Health Services, which provides general information on anthrax, and the Health Services Web site provides further information.

Again, we do not believe that there is cause for alarm about the very small number of cases in which anthrax was contracted from exposure to spores sent through the mail. However, I wanted to share this information to assist you in exercising reasonable caution, and to let you know about the resources available to respond to any concerns.

Sincerely,
Kenneth J. Knuckles
Vice President,
Support Services