On Wednesday, Jul. 16, Thomas R. Frieden, director for the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), faced a congressional panel to answer questions regarding the serious lapses in safety protocols discovered during recent investigations.

The investigations and hearing are the result of a report in June of this year that over 80 personnel from the CDC were exposed to potentially live anthrax, some of whom were not given medical examinations for many days after the fact. Investigations into how this could have happened revealed instances of anthrax being stored improperly, transferred in Ziploc bags after being incorrectly deemed inactive, and utilizing disinfectants that were expired and therefore ineffective.

Further investigations have revealed that this is not the first or second time that serious bio-hazardous materials have been improperly managed by the CDC. It is the fifth in 10 years. Not only have workers been exposed to live anthrax, but also to a lethal strain of the avian flu and botulism. As a result of these discoveries, two of the labs have been closed indefinitely and shipping of hazardous pathogens is similarly banned until safety protocols can be revamped.

“We need to greatly improve the culture of safety,” Frieden said.

During questioning, Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.), chair of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on oversight and investigations asked, “What in heaven’s name would go through the minds of some scientists, thinking a Ziploc bag is enough to protect someone from anthrax?”

Frieden’s reply was that the anthrax had been declared inactive in error. His answer was not enough to satisfy Rep. Murphy who responded, “This is like saying I didn’t know the gun was loaded, but someone was shot.”

Frieden insists that his staff will cooperate fully with investigations and adjustments to protocol that ensure the safety of all personnel. He believes an important step in this is to ensure an environment where people feel safe admitting to oversights and problems they discover. He insists both of the labs will remain closed until all safety goals can be guaranteed.