"The risk of exposure to anthrax in most offices is minute, however a few common sense steps should always be taken," Chao said. "These will help companies and their employees reduce the risk of exposure. Now, more than ever, we must work together to protect the health of our employees."

Chao advised workers to exercise good judgment and caution when handling mail and take the following precautionary measures as outlined by OSHA

SUSPICIOUS LETTERS Be on the lookout for suspicious letters and packages, including packages or envelopes of unusual weight or size, packages or envelopes with a handwritten address and/or no return address and packages or envelopes with excessive postage.

CAREFULLY OPEN MAIL Open packages/envelopes with a minimum amount of movement and always use a letter opener or method that is least likely to disturb the contents.

Do not blow into envelopes.

Do not shake or pour out the contents.

Keep hands away from nose and mouth when opening mail.

Always wash hands after handling mail.

Chao added that if employers or employees choose to use protective equipment such as gloves, it is important they take necessary steps to make sure these items are handled and used properly.

Call Restoration Environmental Contractors Biological Emergency Response Team

As facilities throughout the U.S. receive anthrax threat letters whether they're false alarms or contain actual biological agents the Center for Disease Controls (CDC) has issued an official health advisory, which provides procedures for handling such incidents.

Anthrax organisms can cause infection in the skin, gastrointestinal system or the lungs. To do so, the organism must be rubbed into abraded skin, swallowed or inhaled as a fine, aerosolized mist. Disease can be prevented after exposure to the anthrax spores by early treatment with the appropriate antibiotics. Anthrax is not spread from one person to another.

Some characteristics of suspicious packages and letters include excessive postage; handwritten or poorly typed addresses; incorrect titles; a title, but no name; misspellings; stains, discolorations or odor; no return address; excessive weight; lopsided or uneven envelope; excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc.; ticking sound; restrictive markings such as "Personal" or "Confidential"; city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address.

Do not shake or empty its contents. Place the letter or package in a plastic bag or other container to prevent the contents from leaking, or cover the envelope or package with some sort of paper or a trash can. Likewise, if powder from an envelope spills onto a surface, do not try to clean it up. Instead, cover the spilled contents immediately, leave the room, close the door and prevent others from entering. Wash your hands with soap and water.

Besides reporting the incident to police, notify your building security official or an available supervisor. List all people who were in the room or area when the letter or package was recognized.

Remove clothing as soon as possible and place it in a plastic bag or some other sealable container. Give the clothing container to emergency responders for proper handling.

Do this as quickly as possible. Do not use bleach or other disinfectant on your skin.

If warning is given that the air handling system is contaminated or that a biological agent has been released in a public space, turn off HVAC system or local fans or ventilation units in the area and leave the area immediately. Seal off and close the door or section off the area to prevent others from entering. Notify authorities and shut down the air handling system in the building, if possible. List all people who were in the room or area.

The threat of domestic terrorism today looms larger than ever. Bombings at the World Trade Center and Oklahoma City's Federal Building, as well as nerve gas attacks in Japan, have made it tragically obvious that American and Canadian corporations and civilians must be ready for terrorist attacks.

Restoration Environmental Biological Emergency Response Program will be of critical interest to anyone involved in corporate Canada and civilian preparedness for terrorist attack property managers, building owners, architects, consulting engineers, planners, administrators, responders, medical professionals, public health and emergency personnel, and technology designers and engineers. Preparing and Responding to Domestic Terrorists attacks.

Terrorists continue to threaten U.S.citizens and interests... As demographics, economics, and lifestyles continue to transform, the potential for hate crimes and anti-government attacks...is likely to increase.Terrorism in the United States, warning from FBI-Federal Bureau of Investigation

The Restoration Environmental Biological Emergency Response Team can be ready on call 24 Hours a day. Seven (7) days a week, at your disposal in case of a Biological attack or Environmental problems at your facilities. 1-800-894-4924 Across Canada/USA.

We are ready to respond with qualified team professionals and to start immediate disaster cleanup procedures to get your building and facility operating again. We will work with the local police and fire departments and their investigations teams.

Call Don Bremner or REC Team at 1-800-894-4924 Tollfree Canada/USA or Tel 905-888-0066 or Fax 905-888-0071.

Disaster and Environmental Conference Toxic Mold, Hazardous Materials and Environmental Conference including Biological Discussions Scheduled for the date of January 31, 2002 in Markham or Toronto.