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September 13, 2006

3 hospitalized after contact with 'powdery substance' in mail

PROVIDENCE -- Three people have been hospitalized with itchy, rash-like symptoms after receiving a letter in the mail containing a "light, powdery substance."

Fire and police officials responded to 42 Oriental St. at around 4 p.m., according to James Taylor, Fire Department chief of communications. The address is listed as the site of Gem Label & Tape Co., but it was not clear if the people were at the company.

A woman at that address received a piece of mail that she believed was a check. When she opened the letter, she discovered a "light, powdery substance in there and she started to itch, get a rash," Taylor said.

Two other people immediately reported similar symptoms, and the authorities were called. A special hazards team "double bagged" the substance, Taylor said, while rescue crews transported three people to Rhode Island Hospital.

The state Department of Health has been called to the scene to investigate.

Posted by Steve Peoples  at 5:19 PM | Permalink

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