Postal Service to Bar Shipping of Germs and Toxins by Mail

The Postal Service announced today that it plans to prohibit the mailing of disease germs or toxins that could pose a hazard to people.

The announcement comes just a week after the agency said it was reviewing its rules in light of reports that the Army has shipped such hazardous items through the mail.

Various products, including biological warfare toxins, have been mailed in the past under strict packaging and labeling rules, and postal officials say no problems have occurred.

But after reports that the Army planned to expand research facilities in Utah, California Atty. Gen. John K. Van de Kamp complained that the need for increased shipments of dangerous biological products could create a hazard.

Today’s announcement said the mailing of other biological products, such as blood samples being sent to laboratories for routine testing, will not be affected.