Immediately following the bioterror associated anthrax cases in September, there were an unprecedented number of reports of “suspicious white powdery substances” nationwide. Some of these reports were hoaxes. Others were honest cases of mistaken identity. A very few involved anthrax spores.

An incident on our campus caused the temporary closing of a portion of a dormitory building and disrupted the activities of a large number of students, faculty, and staff. When campus officials contacted the FBI for assistance in evaluating the suspect material they were advised that the bureau was so overwhelmed by reports of suspicious substances that they were unable to respond effectively unless additional circumstances suggested a credible biohazard threat. The material in our incident eventually proved to be laundry detergent.