Three people on Sunday reported symptoms of severe itching after being exposed to an unidentified substance that spilled out of an envelope sent to Bezeq International telecommunications company's office in Petah Tikva.
The envelope, which was sent from Ireland, was delivered to the company's Petah Tikva office by a messenger.
Sapper handles suspicious envelope (Photo: Ofer Amram)
Upon opening it, the employees noticed a brown powder that resembled mineral wool – a substance often used for thermal isolation between walls.
Shortly afterwards, all three employees who handled the envelope began itching. They removed the envelope from the office and immediately called the police and the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
Petah Tikva police officers headed by station commander Chief Superintendent Alon Asur sealed the area to traffic and passersby. The employees were asked to remain in the office.
The police said it was still unclear whether the substance was mineral wool or another dangerous substance.
After initial examination, the suspicious envelope was transfered to a laboratory for additional testing. Police has opened the street to traffic.