Powder found in jetliner prompts hazmat probe

SANTA ANA, Calif. - Authorities say white powder found in a tissue aboard an Alaska Airlines jetliner turned out to be a harmless substance.

Talcum powder causes N.C. plane emergency

Airline spokeswoman Bobbie Egan says a flight attendant found the tissue in the bathroom during a flight from Seattle to Orange County on Friday. Egan says the crew notified airport authorities, and an investigation was launched after the Boeing 737 landed at Orange County's John Wayne Airport.

Hazardous material investigators say the powder is harmless.

Airport spokeswoman Rachel Gibson says 151 passengers and six crew members were taken to a terminal during the investigation.