With the recurrence of Islamic terrorism, even if the danger is really remote in Italy, it is good to know how to avoid being the victim of unpleasant surprises sent by post.

Recently invented anthrax letters and the more outdated paper or letter bombs represent such dangers.

ANTHRAX LETTERS

1) Whoever collects the post and is first to examine it should do so wearing latex gloves and an anti-bacteria face mask (for example a mask such as the FFP-S2 type may be suitable, even though it is described as an “anti-asbestos dust mask”), both of which are available in pharmacies. Even if you use protective gloves, it would be better to initially manage each envelope with a set of tweezers (so as not to interfere too much with possible fingerprints that may be found within the envelope).

2) During the initial examination of incoming mail, pay particular attention to envelopes that do not bear the name of the sender or that have an unknown sender name, or envelopes that are open or torn.

3) Anthrax is a fine white powder

4) If you should come across it in an envelope or a parcel you should act as follows:
place the finding in a transparent plastic bag
take a photograph of or take note of what is written on the envelope and the postal stamps that it contains
put everything into a rigid, watertight and airtight plastic container.
Do not move or transport the suspect item, but immediately inform the local authorities (Police, Health Services, and the special branch of the Carabinieri).
The finding will then be taken away by qualified personnel to a sanitary structure with an autoclave for thermal treatment.
After having examined and treated it, the local authorities will have to send the finding on to the Zooprophilactic Institute of Foggia.

5) If you come into physical contact with anthrax powder it is essential to go to hospital and undergo immediate medical treatment.

6) It is necessary to treat the contaminated area with granules of dichloro isocyanurate or calcium hypochlorite (solid bleach) for a period of at least five days subsequent to the contamination. Alternatively, you may use sodium hypochlorite or large quantities of concentrated bleach (at least 10-15 times the quantity of the anthrax powder).


LETTER BOMBS AND PAPER BOMBS

Carefully examine any letter or parcel before opening it.

Beware of correspondence sent bearing no sender name or with the name of an unknown sender, simple letters or letters that are particularly consistent or indeed parcels.

Do not handle or open any letter or parcel in too rough a manner and do not follow the most normal system or instructions for opening such.

Inform the Police as soon as you have any suspicion and move the suspect item as little as possible.

Before opening any suspect item, with the use of technical precautions (an explosion box etc…) or improvised measures (natural protective measures, sticks etc…) photograph and note down what’s written on the outside of the parcel or letter and take note of the postal stamps, before attempting to open it.

Carry out all these operations wearing safety goggles, protective gloves and with a fire extinguisher close to hand.

Lastly, we would also like to deal with the area of anonymous letters containing threats or insults, which are certainly a more common occurrence in Italy.
If you want to have some hope of discovering the author of such messages, it is essential that you handle them with care, opening them and unfolding them using a tweezers so as not to interfere with any fingerprints that may be present.

Published on: 26 Jul 2004