The sisters and volunteers at the Daughters of Charity in Emmitsburg are relieved that an envelope received Wednesday morning containing a mysterious white powder turned out to be harmless.
Staff and volunteers at the Catholic charity were opening mail at about 10 a.m. Wednesday when white powder spilled out of an envelope onto a table and one of the workers’ pants, said spokeswoman Nancy Poss.
Poss said internal security was contacted and a call was placed to 911.
A hazmat team isolated the people who had been in contact with the powder, and shut down the heating and air conditioning system.
A code orange was put into effect, meaning no one could enter or leave the building, Poss said.
A quick initial test of the powder tested positive for protein, and a second, more thorough analysis on the scene revealed that it was a form of synthetic leather, similar to the substance found in PVC pipe.
The code orange status was lifted at about 1:30 p.m., Poss said.
“As far as we’re concerned, we’re very thankful it turned out to be nothing,” Poss said.
Poss commended all involved for their handling of the tense situation, which led to the cancellation of a concert scheduled for noon as well as the 1:30 p.m. Mass.
She also said the experience was helpful in that it tested the response capabilities of the staff and volunteers for possible future emergencies.
“These drills are important because someday it’s going to be something real,” Poss said.
Poss said she believes there was a return address on the envelope. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating but could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
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