Editor's Note Mail Scare

Overall, the in-house mail centers I contacted said they have not altered mail-handling procedures as a result of the anthrax scare; rather they are trying to help employees recognize suspicious mail before it's opened.

At the University of Washington, which processes about 75,000 pieces of mail a day, the emphasis is now on keeping people informed, both in the mailroom and on campus. Frank Davis, associate director of Publications Services, says e-mails were quickly sent to all faculty and students—about 50,000 people—telling them who to contact about suspicious pieces of mail and listing typical characteristics of suspicious packages. Also, a United States Postal Service representative is scheduled to talk to UW mailroom employees about handling suspicious mail.