April 22, 2003

Powder scare - Washington & Florida

There are currently reports of two different discoveries of mysterious powders - one in Florida and another in Tacoma.

According to CNN:

A mail distribution center in Tacoma, Washington, was evacuated early Tuesday after a powdery brown substance initially tested positive for the toxins that cause botulism and plague, federal officials said.

The officials emphasized that initial field tests often prove to be inaccurate.

On the scene, Jolene Davis of the Tacoma Fire Department said she was not aware of any reports that the sustance had tested positive for botulism or plague toxins. She also said four out of five subsequent tests of the substance had proved to be negative, with one test still pending.

As for the situation in Florida, MSNBC is reporting:
IN FLORIDA, emergency crews were investigating a white powder found in the air cargo building at Southwest Florida International Airport near Fort Myers. Six people were taken to a hospital for possible decontamination. The air cargo building is separate from the main terminal and the investigation did not affect passenger travel.
More information as it becomes available.

Posted by thorswitch at April 22, 2003 11:01 AM | TrackBack


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