News Service

5-31-05

Unidentified powder sent to Iowa State's Admissions Office

AMES, Iowa -- An unidentified powder spilled out of an envelope Tuesday morning in the mailroom of the Admissions Office at Iowa State University's Alumni Hall.

The powder came through the mail in a No. 10, business-sized envelope. The envelope was opened by an automated machine. A mailroom employee in Alumni Hall saw the powder spill out of the envelope. Two other Iowa State employees also were potentially exposed to the powder.

There were about 80 people in the building at the time, including three prospective students and their families. They were all evacuated. The building is expected to be closed at least until the end of the day Tuesday.

The Ames Fire Department's hazardous materials unit responded this morning. The Des Moines Fire Department's hazardous materials unit also was called to the scene this morning.

The envelope was addressed to Iowa State's Admissions Office. There was nothing in the envelope but the powder.

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