\u27White Powder\u27 -- Is it Harmful or Not?

There are many communicable diseases, but very few that can be considered threats once distance is placed between the vector and potential hosts. Anthrax is a disease that is able to defy that convention. Anthrax in its dormant form can be identified by its light brown powdery look and its gram positive stain color. It is a horrible bacterial disease that is very infectious whether it be through direct inhalation, consummation, or direct contact. Historically Anthrax can be a fatal disease. In order to minimize exposure and intervene quickly, simple and effective methods of identifying such substances are necessary. Being able to identify “white powder” at the origination site, to determine whether or not it poses a threat, would benefit public safety. There are few mobile laboratories that can do “white powder” tests in the field. The purpose of this research project was to research, identify, and test information technology that could “rule out” various bioterrorism powders such as anthrax. The end goal is to add the functionality to the STATPack emergency response system for public health laboratories. This should allow technicians to have the ability to analyze various substances and use various decision support protocols to help identify the type of powder