Powder scare sparks post office evacuation
ABC - September 23, 2008, 8:22 amA building was evacuated in Mackay last night and eight people were treated for skin irritations after a powder was found in a mail package.
Police say the powder was found by staff at an Australia Post office on Bridge Road in west Mackay, in north Queensland, about 9:00pm AEST.
Senior Constable Gavin Burnett says scientific testing of the powder revealed it was not a dangerous substance.
"Arrangements were made for an investigative chemist to attend the scene. Some tests were conducted on the substance and it was found to have been an ammonia salt which I understand is a type of fertiliser," he said.
"As a result of that, that was taken down to the Mackay Base Hospital and disposed off."
Note from DELTRA Australia: Although for most businesses this type of incident is not common, certain businesses such as courier or transport companies and postal services deal with this type of emergency on a weekly basis. What would you do if you received a package like this?
