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Notice to Readers: Guidance on Initial Responses to Suspicious Letters
and Packages
Law enforcement agencies and emergency responders are charged with investigation of suspicious letters and packages in
the United States. Those responding are at risk from
potential exposure to biologic agents, chemical substances, or
radiologic materials. Guidelines for responding to five different types of situations (e.g., letter with unknown powder-like substance and threatening communication) have been developed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland
Security, and Department of Health and Human Services/CDC. This guidance is now available at
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/planning/pdf/suspicious-package-biothreat.pdf.
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