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White powder sent to fed buildings not hazardous

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SEATTLE (AP) — An FBI agent says white powder sent in envelopes to eight federal buildings in the West on Monday was not hazardous.

Special Agent Frederick Gutt says laboratory tests show the powder’s main component was calcium carbonate, which is found in chalk.

Gutt says a threat was associated with the envelopes, but could not provide details. Authorities continue to investigate. No illnesses were reported from the mailings.

Envelopes were found at a federal building in Seattle, Internal Revenue Service offices in Bellevue, Wash., and an FBI office in Spokane, Wash. In Idaho, the U.S. attorney’s office and an FBI office in Coeur d’Alene, an FBI office in Pocatello and the U.S. attorney’s office in Boise received envelopes.

In Salt Lake City, an FBI office was also targeted.