Anthrax Disposal Concerns
Rick Thompson
Solid Waste Management Section Supervisor
July 2002
In light of the recent events involving anthrax being delivered through the mail and the negative effects it has caused among the population disposal concerns have arisen. One
of the resulting consequences of the bio-terrorism now affecting our nation is how to properly dispose of the waste produced when material such as paper and clothing that are suspected to have
come in contact with the anthrax spores.
Anthrax is not a contagious disease. It is caused by a bacteria that can be spread in its dormant, or spore, form and is harmful only if a large enough dose is inhaled,
ingested, or introduced into an open cut or wound. Anthrax occurs naturally in soil at locations throughout Montana. Landfill disposal for exposed or potentially exposed materials is safe
because the spores are not transmissive to the ground water and the landfill environment is not conducive for their proliferation.
For further information please contact Todd Damrow, DPHHS State Epidemiologist at (406) 444-3986.
