Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface company Neuralink was fined by the US Department of Transportation for improperly transporting hazardous materials. During the inspections carried out last year, it was revealed that the company did not register some substances as “dangerous substance carriers”.
Fine for Neuralink over dangerous substances
Neuralink was found to have improperly packaged hazardous waste, including flammable liquid xylene, according to U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration records. Exposure to the chemical called xylene can cause health problems ranging from headaches to death.
Neuralink agreed to resolve the issues identified as part of the audit and pay the fine. Speaking on the issue, company spokespersons confirmed that some items were not transported correctly, but said that the file was closed.
The investigation gained momentum last year when Neuralink employees claimed that tests on animals were rushed. Allegedly, Musk’s company caused unnecessary suffering and even death of animals used in research.
Making a statement on the subject, Physicians Committee Research Director Ryan Merkley said, “Neuralink’s violation once again revealed the company’s careless and unsafe practices.” The committee has opposed the use of animals in medical research for many years.
It was not stated why Neuralink was carrying dangerous substances or whether it caused any damage. The aim of the company is to provide interaction by connecting the human brain with computers. It was stated that Neuralink, which received approval from the USA for human experiments in recent months, raised security concerns.
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