Scientists Fault Risk Review For Fort Detrick Lab

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- The National Academy of Sciences says the Army should do a more thorough job of assessing the risks of a planned biodefense animal laboratory at Fort Detrick in Frederick.

An expert panel says in a strongly worded report that the planning document for the proposed Medical Countermeasures Test and Evaluation Facility isn't sufficient to ensure that the laboratory design will protect human health and the environment.

Maryland's two U.S. senators urged the Army on Friday to make the necessary modifications to protect lab workers and the surrounding community.

The science panel cites the 2001 anthrax attacks, allegedly carried out by a Fort Detrick scientist, to illustrate one of the shortcomings in the Army document.

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