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White powder emergencies in Leesburg and Mt Dora

By Monique Valdes
By Monique Valdes
The parking lot of the Social Security building on U.S. 27 was full of emergency vehicles on Wednesday. Employees were forced to stand by waiting for answers as emergency HAZMAT and fire crews investigated a package delivered by mail.
A Leesburg battalion chief told Eyewitness News that they've had to investigate at least seven similar incidents since December of last year.
Employees were concerned the white, powdery substance was something dangerous because of the note inside the envelope, claiming it was anthrax. However, after a three-hour investigation the substance was considered "non-toxic" baking soda, and employees were allowed back inside the building.
Earlier today, twelve Lake County Emergency Medical Services workers were exposed Wednesday to an unknown white, powdery substance, Mount Dora police said. 
Investigators later determined that the powder was not toxic. 
Police said the powder was found at the Lake County EMS facility on Old 441, at the Golden Triangle Plaza. 
A postal inspector and FBI agents responded to the scene, along with Mount Dora firefighters and a hazmat team. 
Police said an envelope arrived at the facility via U.S. Postal Service. 
They said a powder was discovered inside and 12 employees were exposed. 
The employees have not shown any symptoms and were not transported. 
The powder is going to be tested at an FBI lab. 

Cox Media Group

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