This Echo is READ ONLY !   NO Un-Authorized Messages Please!
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Robert Mirelson
Headquarters, Washington       February 2, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-4495)

RELEASE: 03-038

HANDLE SPACE SHUTTLE DEBRIS WITH CAUTION

     Debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia may be dangerously 
contaminated with toxic substances and cause serious injury if 
handled. Individuals who think they may have come in contact with 
Shuttle debris should take a shower with soap and water and then seek 
medical attention.

Individuals are advised to avoid all additional contact with the 
suspected Shuttle material.  Clothing that may have come in contact 
with the suspected debris should be removed with care to avoid skin 
contact with cloth that may have been contaminated.  Place the 
clothing in a plastic bag for later analysis.

If your physician has any questions, please have him or her contact 
the NASA Emergency Action Center at 281/483-3388.

More information is available on the Internet at:

http://www.nasa.gov/columbia/

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