| Home > Resources > Leadership > Executive Summary > Case Studies Case Study 2001, The High Costs of the Anthrax Attacks In addition to the obvious human toll, there were serious economic consequences caused by the anthrax attacks of 2001. The temporary closure of mail facilities and an overall decrease in the use of mail services resulted in financial losses for the U.S. Postal Service; decontaminating and renovating facilities that had received anthrax letters cost millions in taxpayer dollars. The costs for decontaminating and renovating the Brentwood postal facility, which was closed on October 21, 2001, and remained so for more than 2 years, totaled approximately $130 million. Decontaminating the Hart Senate Office Building cost $27 million.
References
Nakashima E. SARS signals missed in Hong Kong; physician's visit may have led to most known cases. Washington Post May 20, 2003: A01. Capitol Hill Anthrax Incident: EPA's Cleanup Was Successful: Opportunities Exist to Enhance Contract Oversight. GAO Report GAO-03-686 June 2003. |
