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Gas Masks / Biohazard Suits / Hoaxes

Gas masks/biohazard suits

CDC does not recommend purchasing gas masks or hoarding medicine. Specialized protective equipment is expensive, ineffective and requires extensive training.

Hoaxes

Unfortunately, during times of public anxiety, hoaxes tend to become more frequent. Since September 11, there has been misleading information and rumors passed along. These are unproductive and of concern to law enforcement. If you get an email or other type of communication you believe to be suspicious, please contact the sheriff's office at: www.lanecounty.org/sheriff  or by email at: sherriffs.office@co.lane.or.us

From Associated Press

Oregon Warned About Anthrax Hoaxes

October 16, 2001

By Charles Beggs, AP Staff

State Attorney General Hardy Myers urged Oregonians on Tuesday to be wary of Internet-based groups advertising remedies to counter the effects of bioterrorist agents such as Anthrax.

Myers said his office has received reports of "opportunistic sales tactics" offering remedies through Internet sales and other non-medical sources and "military-certified gas masks" as well as vitamin supplements.

Myers also said the Department of Justice has received complaints from people about Internet hoaxes reportedly selling the prescription drug CIPRO, an antibiotic that is used to counter the effects of anthrax.

"As always, consumers should exercise caution and check with their health care providers prior to consuming any medication that requires a prescription or vitamin or nutritional supplements that make significant health claims," Myers said.

He said consumers considering buying such items can contact his consumer protection office at 1-877-877-9392 or the Oregon Health Division at 1-503-731-4024 to check on the safety of the products and reliability of sellers.