News Nearby: Substance in Mailed Envelope Causes Business Evacuation

Employees of a Norcross-area business were evacuated Tuesday afternoon after an envelope containing a powdery substance was reported.

Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said firefighters and hazardous material crews were called to Recycle Rooms on the 6500 block of Dawson Boulevard around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21. This is a location adjacent to Interstate 85 near Jimmy Carter Boulevard.

Rutledge said the substance was determined to be non-toxic and no one was injured. A total of 20 people were evacuated, including two who were exposed to the substance and subsequently isolated as a precaution.

“It is unknown at this time, who or even why, someone would send such an envelope to the business,” Rutledge said in an email. “We are fortunate that the incident turned out like it did and was not more serious.”

According to a press release, the employees were exposed after one of them opened an envelope from the mail. The employees, along with firefighters who collected samples of the substance to be tested, went through dry decontamination to be safe.

The tests were conducted on-site by the Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services - Hazardous Materials Response Team, which determined the substance was a salt-like material and not hazardous to people or the environment.

Employees were allowed to re-enter the building just before 7 p.m.