Anthrax-Contaminated Facilities: Preparations and a Standard for Remediation

Publication Date: December 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Environment

Type:

Abstract:

Bacillus anthracis, the cause of the anthrax disease, was released into the United States postal system in autumn 2001, resulting in five deaths and contaminating several public and private facilities. Remediation costs were significant. Subsequently, extant federal procedures and policies were clarified and augmented, and new procedures and policies were created to fill identified gaps. A number of additional emergency preparedness recommendations have been made by stakeholders, researchers, and others, including the following: