Abstract
The assessment of how far contaminants may have spread when contaminated letters are handled and opened is an important first step in the response to such incidents. Such information assists first responders in identifying potentially exposed individuals and determining the need for environmental decontamination. In this investigation, envelopes were experimentally contaminated with a fluorescent tracer powder, opened, and the dispersion pattern of the contaminant detected. Results of the testing demonstrated that the contaminant can be spread both on the immediate and surrounding area, on the person, on fomites and into the air-handling system.