State lab says white powder at UI not harmful

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The University of Iowa says testing by the State Hygienic Laboratory of a white powdery substance in an envelope mailed to a residence hall showed no harmful substances.

The Gazette says the lab conducted a standard set of tests to determine whether the powder posed a chemical threat. The substance was sent to a lab in Ankeny for further verification.

A student counselor with a program that helps low-income students prepare for college reported feeling ill after opening the envelope on Monday at Stanley Hall. The student called police, who sealed off parts of the dormitory as a precaution. The student was taken to a hospital and released.

The university says 47 students and staff with the Upward Bound program were being notified about the incident.