In today’s Federal Register¸ the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Health Affairs published a notice announcing it is accepting comments on the proposed guidance document “Protecting Responders' Health During the First Week Following a WideArea Anthrax Attack''. The proposed guidance provides recommendations for protecting first responders during a potential widespread anthrax attack (the document can be read in its entirety at www.regulations.gov). An interagency working group consisting of infectious disease, biodefense, and occupational health and safety experts compiled the report. DHS is seeking comments supported by relevant data or information that can improve the outlined plan.

Comments can be submitted by mail to:

David V. Adams, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Health Affairs, Mail Stop 0315, Washington, DC 20528, or online by visiting the Federal Rulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Comments must be labeled with the docket number “DHS-2009-0091” and are due no later than November 27, 2009.

The full notice may be viewed at http://www.thefederalregister.com/d.p/2009-10-27-E9-25770.