No injuries due to mystery powder at LDS Church Building

Hazardous materials crews responded Friday morning to the LDS Church Office Building in Salt Lake City after an envelope containing an unknown white powder was opened, potentially exposing six people.

The scare began at little after 10 a.m., when the envelope was opened on the third floor of the church building, located at 50 E. North Temple.

But by about 1 p.m., none of the six people who reported being in close proximity of the unknown powder were showing any symptoms.

"All six people were released to go home," said fire department spokesman Jasen Asay. "No one was transported to the hospital."

Meanwhile, crews had tested the powder for any immediate danger — whether it was explosive, corrosive or otherwise too risky to handle, Asay said.

It was "not overly dangerous,"and there was "no credible threat," Asay said.

Nevertheless, the powder was collected and sent to the state Crime Lab.

By early Friday afternoon, employees who had been evacuated from the third floor returned to work.

Responders said they did not immediately have details about envelope, such as whom is was addressed to, who sent it, or any other contents, such as written message. Asay said it appeared the powder was packaged in one envelope but sprinkled onto some other envelopes in the office.

The FBI was continuing to investigate the source of the letter and its intended destination, Asay said.

ealberty@sltrib.com