Cat Litter Causes AEGON Scare

A hazardous materials technician inspects a suspicious package that was delivered to Aegon on Friday, Aug. 22, 2008, in northeast Cedar Rapids. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

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By Nick Weig

Story Created: Aug 22, 2008 at 10:53 AM CST

Story Updated: Aug 22, 2008 at 3:29 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - Haz-mat crews declared a suspicious package at AEGON in Cedar Rapids as non-threatening around 12:30 Friday afternoon. Investigators say the manila envelope contained general correspondence and came into contact with used cat litter.

Investigators say the envelope first arrived at an AEGON facility at 1750 Progress Drive in Hiawatha. It was transported to the Cedar Rapids location along Edgewood Road NE.

Investigators got involved after two people at AEGON Hiawatha facility complained about burning on their hands Friday morning and were taken to the hospital as a precaution. They were treated and released.

Haz-mat crews say the package contained a brownish powder with a mildew or urine-type smell. They identified it as bentonite, that is the clay substance in cat litter. Again, they say they believe the envelope came into contact with used cat litter. And there was no intentional or direct threat.

Cedar Rapids Police and Fire wrapped up their investigation just prior to 1:00 Friday afternoon.

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