U. of Iowa student ill after white powder exposure

UPDATE: The State Hygienic Lab is set to examine a “suspicious material” found in Stanley Hall earlier today after first responders received information about the unknown substance.

The Iowa City Fire Department, University of Iowa Police, and Johnson County Ambulance Service were called to the residence hall on Davenport Street in Iowa City just before 12 p.m. after reports of a white powdery substance.

A release from the University of Iowa said an envelope was received via U.S. mail at the residence hall on Monday morning, and a counselor with the university's Upward Bound program opened the package to find a powdery substance.

The release said the counselor later began to feel ill, and called UI police, who sealed off a shower, the student's room, and mail areas as a precaution.

UI Police Lt. Joe Lang said Monday that the female counselor who came in contact with the powder was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The release said the university is working to notify roughly 47 students and staff associated with the Upward Bound program about the incident, and parents with questions should contact the university.