Anthrax Threats Prompt Spray-Powder Concerns

As reports surface about a "white powdery substance" found in some anthrax contamination cases, printers and some industry suppliers are reporting concerns expressed by print buyers and consumers—and employees—about the slight residue that commonly appears on magazines, catalogs, brochures, and other printed matter.

This residue, managers explain, might consist of cornstarch-based antisetoff spray powder, lubricating powders, or so-called "slip" agents applied to printed products during production. They are designed to reduce static electricity, enhance ink drying, or prevent pages from adhering to each other.

Even if such products are not used on a given job, printers note, recipients of printed matter might feel actual paper dust created in trimming.

All such products, printers point out, are inert, nontoxic, and not hazardous and have been in common use for many years. Manufacturers' health and safety data support these claims.

Nonetheless, many printers have been assuring customers that they are working to reduce or eliminate the use of these materials in their production processes.

Similarly, polybag inserting used to enclose some publications also is raising concerns at the moment, so a number of printers are electing to minimize its usage.

Printers, publishers, catalogers, and direct-mail marketers all have reported cases of anxious consumers receiving printed matter containing residue or delivered in a polybag envelope.

In response, the Direct Marketing Association, the Magazine Publishers of America, and the Printing Industries of America (gain.net) have released general resource information about anthrax, fact sheets, and mailroom guidelines.