Powder found in paper not anthrax

The white substance found in a Baldwin Borough family's newspaper Sunday was talcum powder used in the production process, said Pittsburgh Tribune-Review President and General Manager Ed Harrell.

The Carey family found the substance Sunday morning and reported it to authorities, fearing it may have been bacteria or a chemical agent.

'It looked like cornstarch to me,' said Jean Carey, 67. 'I'm praying it's talcum powder. I'm just waiting for the tests to come from the hospital.'

The FBI took samples of the white powder to determine its makeup. An agency spokesman said it could take at least four days.

Doctors took throat and nose samples from the five family members to test for anthrax. Jean Carey said they expect the results by Wednesday.

Harrell said the production workers spray powder on advertising inserts when the pages stick because the ink doesn't dry. The powder gives the pages a shinier surface.

'We've been doing it God knows how many years,' Harrell said. 'It's nothing more than talcum powder. But this is all so unusual for everybody. It's so hard to comprehend.'