Yeah, Reason Number 1,378,964 for putting people like these in charge of our health care and everything else you can imagine.
CDC action at germ lab questioned
At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new $214 million infectious disease laboratory in Atlanta, scientists are conducting experiments on bioterror bacteria in a room with a containment door sealed with duct tape.
The tape was applied around the edges of the door a year ago after the building’s ventilation system malfunctioned and pulled potentially contaminated air out of the lab and into a “clean” hallway. Nine CDC workers were tested in May 2007 for potential exposure to the Q fever bacteria being studied in the lab…Q fever, which causes high fevers and sometimes fatal heart problems, is most commonly spread when humans inhale bacteria-laden dust from contaminated animal waste. Human-to-human transmission is rare. It is classified as a potential bioterror agent because it is moderately easy to disseminate.
The CDC Q fever lab’s air containment systems have since worked properly, agency officials said; the lab is safe and poses no risk to workers. The public was never at any risk because numerous security layers were in place between the lab and the outdoors, they said.
Yet the duct tape remains in place.
Old Handyman rule: Duct tape fixes everything except stupidity.
sigh.
I find this story strangely satisfying. If you go to the ready.gov web site you’ll find a recommended disaster kit that every citizen is urged to keep in their home:
“Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and DUCT TAPE to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps”
If duct tape is good enough to protect me from some pathogen or radiation unleashed by deranged terrorists, then it ought to be good enough for the CDC!
Why am I reminded of the opening chapters of Stephen King’s novel “The Stand”?