Federal Reserve mail tests positive for traces of anthrax

The Federal Reserve reported Thursday that about 20 pieces of mail tested positive for traces of anthrax in an initial screening.

The tainted mail was discovered as part of routine testing by the Fed in a mobile trailer stationed in a courtyard at the Federal Reserve's main building downtown.

The mail did not contain powder-like substances or handwritten addresses, nor did it include any threatening messages. Since such preliminary test results often are inaccurate, additional testing is being done.

Some of the mail was addressed to Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan as well as other officials, according to a Fed spokesman, who added that the 20 pieces carried postmarks of April or May.

"There is a very real possibility this could have been traces on some piece of equipment," a Postal Service spokesman said. "Until the very detailed culture tests come back, we'll have to wait and see. It could be mail that rubbed against something at an outside location."