Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface company Neuralink has been fined by the US Department of Transportation for improperly transporting hazardous materials. During inspections last year, it was revealed that the company had failed to register some substances as “hazardous materials carriers”.
Fine for Neuralink over hazardous substances
According to US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration records, Neuralink was found to have improperly packaged hazardous waste, including the flammable liquid xylene. Exposure to the chemical xylene can cause health problems ranging from headaches to death.
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Neuralink has agreed to resolve the issues identified in the audit and pay the fine. A company spokesperson confirmed that some items were not transported correctly, but said the case was closed.
The investigation gained momentum last year after Neuralink employees alleged that animal testing was rushed. Musk’s company allegedly caused unnecessary suffering and even death to animals used in research.
“Neuralink’s breach has once again exposed the company’s sloppy and unsafe practices,” said Ryan Merkley, Director of Research at the Physicians Committee. The Committee has long opposed the use of animals in medical research.
It was not specified why Neuralink was transporting hazardous materials or whether it had caused any harm. The company’s aim is to connect the human brain with computers to enable interaction. It was stated that Neuralink, which received approval from the US for manned experiments in recent months, raised safety concerns.
