[GreenYes] Anthrax

["Peter Anderson" <anderson@recycleworlds.org>]

From JTR Listserve (to think, if it is true, that a terrorist would know and
take time to recycle residential mixed paper?!?!?!?!?!?!? It boggles the
mind.)

Peter

Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2001 11:46:26 -0500
From: "Stusek, Donna" <Donna.Stusek@dnr.state.oh.us>
To: "JTR Listserver (E-mail)" <jtrnet@valley.rtpnc.epa.gov>
Subject: Alert - Possible Anthrax at Ohio MRF
Message-ID: <8675A6703B76D5119BAD00902771A5BC6A009E@nrxchg4.dnr.state.oh.us>

FYI...  not to induce panic but make you aware of the potential and
encourage you to take caution!

Thursday, November 8, 2001, a Material Recycling Facility in Ohio was shut
down indefinitely due to the possible exposure to Anthrax.  Decontamination
processes have started and all of the workers have been instructed to see
their family doctor and get their dosages of Cipro.

One of the sorters picked up a homemade envelope with Arabic printing.  The
bag appeared to be cut from a kraft bag, folded and glued on the sides.  The
stamps had been removed but the Arabic return address and address were
visible.  White powder spilled from the side onto the pile of news. The
attached FBI advisory has a picture of an envelope very similar to
what was found at the Ohio MRF.
http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel01/mail3.pdf

Preliminary tests resulted in a "rod positive" bacteria.   It could be
Anthrax, or it could be something as harmless as bakers yeast.  The powder
has been sent to the Ohio Department of Health for further culturing and
this may take at least 48 hours.

The following links can provide additional information for protecting those
working in the recycling and solid waste arenas.

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/DocumentsApp/Anthrax/10122001Handle/10122001Handle.asp
http://www.osha-slc.gov/FedReg_osha_data/FED19941115.html

Please be careful.

Donna M. Stusek, Administrator
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention
1889 Fountain Square Court, F-2
Columbus, Ohio 43224-1388
Phone:  614/265-6364
Fax:      614/262-9387
Email:   donna.stusek@dnr.state.oh.us
______________________________
Peter Anderson
RECYCLEWORLDS CONSULTING Corp
4513 Vernon Blvd. Suite 15
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 231-1100
Fax (608) 233-0011
anderson@recycleworlds.org

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