It is a chilling scenario. You are opening personal or business mail when suddenly confronted with the dreaded “white powder,” or some other unknown substance. Although the chances of it being anything but a hoax are remote, that doesn’t make the initial discovery any less terrifying. Recently, first responders had to react to potential hazardous materials at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Attacks and threats of ricin, anthrax, and other toxins and agents being sent via mail date back to the 1970s and peaked in the early 2000s after September 11, with several high-profile attacks and attempts. Ever since,…