03:29 PM MDT on Wednesday, July 27, 2005

John O'Sullivan
Idaho's NewsChannel 7

BOISE -- The Boise Post Office will soon have new technology that can detect anthrax.

A biohazard detection system will be installed at the Boise Processing and Distribution center Saturday.

The machine works by collecting air samples as the mail moves through.

"We are putting preventive measures in place, actually installing nationwide biohazard detection systems that will provide safety and provide us an early warning announcement in the event that we did have an anthrax scare," said Steve Cummings, manager of Emergency Preparedness.

While the focus is on anthrax detection, the system could test for other biological threats in the future.