We�ve all learned a lot in the last few days about having an increased state
of vigilance around life in general, and mail in particular. We�ve been told
by colleagues in law enforcement, that what constitutes a suspicious envelope
is one that you are not used to getting regularly such as your bills or letters
from friends and family with a known return address. But letters that may have
stains on them, may feel like they have contents including powder that you can
feel inside; a different postmark address than the return address; any other
kinds of items inside wires or protruding elements. So, I think all of us are
used to the kind of mail we get regularly whether it�s the junk mail, our bills,
or occasional cards and letters from friends, other things need to be looked
at quite carefully.� Interview with Dr. Jeffrey P. Koplan, Director of the Centers
of Disease Control and Prevention.
�What You Should Know About
Anthrax Tri-Fold. Information for Army-wide distribution covering many anthrax
topics of concern. For full color Tri-Folds, please contact USACHPPM at (800)
222-9698, DSN 584-4375, or (410) 436-4375.
�A
Guide for Assessing Anthrax Contamination at Department of the Army Mail Facilities,
27 November 2001. In response to the growing number of requests, the USACHPPM
has developed interim guidance on how to assess an Army mailroom for anthrax
contamination. The information provided in this document will assist you in
the systematic evaluation of a mail handling facility to determine anthrax contamination
and any follow-on remediation. The protocol will be updated as new information
becomes available and as the protocol is field tested. If you have specific
comments, please send to Mr. Brad Hutchens at brad.hutchens@us.army.mil.
ANTHRAX MAILROOM SAMPLING
Anthrax
Mailroom Sampling. This training will provide instruction on the key aspects
of Anthrax sampling. It is directed towards individuals who will organize or
perform anthrax sampling or those who may oversee, advise or consult those who
are sampling. It is not intended for First Responders. As guidance changes,
we will update sections of this training. Please continue to visit the USACHPPM
web site for the most current information.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY PAMS/REGS
�Mail Facility
Security and Handling Suspicious Mail, Department of the Army Pamphlet 25-52,
6 November 2001. This new Department of the Army pamphlet: provides information
regarding inspection and security of U.S. Army mail facilities; provides critical
procedural information regarding suspected bombs,suspected contraband, and suspected
anthrax and other chemical and biological agents; and provides checklist items
regarding security, training, and handling procedures for suspicious mail.
�Clinical
Anthrax Slide Presentation from the CDC.� Slide presentation presented
by David S. Stephens, M.D., Meningitis and Special Pathogens Branch, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, and Professor of Medicine Emory University
School of Medicine
�Protecting
Investigators from Exposure to Bacillus anthracis - Using Personal Protective
Equipment. NIOSH personnel and other investigators at risk for exposure
to Bacillus anthracis, the organism causing anthrax, should wear protective
personal equipment (PPE), including respiratory devices, protective clothing,
and gloves. The items described below are similar to those used by emergency
personnel responding to incidents involving letters or packages. Responders
need to use greater levels of protection in responding to incidents involving
unknown conditions or those involving aerosol-generating devices.
�Information
For Employers and Workers Concerned About Anthrax.� We have provided a link
to this site because it has information that may be of interest to our users.
The USACHPPM and Department of the Army do not necessarily endorse the views
expressed or the facts presented on this site.� Further, the USACHPPM does not
endorse any commercial products or information that may be presented on or could
be advertised on the site that is about to be displayed.� This website is provided
by 3M in response to number of inquires from employers and workers regarding
the appropriate respirator recommendations for potential exposures to biological
agents, such as Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), in their facilities.
�OSHA
Anthrax Risk Reduction Matrix. To help employers determine appropriate work
practices and precautions, OSHA has divided workplaces and work operations into
three risk zones, according to the likelihood of contamination with anthrax
spores and employee exposure to them. These zones are called the green zone,
the yellow zone, and the red zone.
�Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention Anthrax Information. Provides information
intended for the healthcare provider (private and public) and includes details
about the disease, recommended treatment, and specific issues relating to recognizing
Anthrax in emergency departments.
�Frequently
Asked Questions about Anthrax Comprehensive web site by the Center for
Disease Control and Prevention providing frequently asked questions about anthrax.
Page is updated frequently.
�Johns
Hopkins Center for Civilian Biodefense Studies. Dedicated to fostering
the planning and preparation for response to possible bioterrorist attacks and
to engage the medical and public health communities in comprehensive planning
for the epidemiological characterization of the epidemic, for the care and treatment
of casualties, for communication of information to the public and for the pursuit
of unmet research and preparedness needs.
�Medical
NBC Online Information Server. To provide a distributed learning and
reference source for medical NBC information.� While the system is being developed
for U.S. Army medical personnel, the site will be available to any medical practitioner
with access to the Internet.
�Bioterrorism Articles
Made Available Free by JAMA. Journal of the American Medical Association
UniSci, Daily University Science News Articles by the Working Group on Civilian
Biodefense on Anthrax, Smallpox, Plague, Botulinum Toxin and Tularemia.
