March 24, 2005

Concerns Regarding a Non-Viable (Dead)“Anthrax Spore” Research Project at theOak Ridge National Laboratory

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) received an anonymous complaint involving an “anthrax” (Bacillus anthracis, Ames strain) spore research project at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Specifically, it was alleged that: • A former ORNL employee who returned to ORNL as a Guest Researcher used a specific laboratory and its equipment without authorization to conduct research on anthrax spores; and, • The research with anthrax spores created a safety concern because the Guest Researcher used the same equipment as other laboratory workers.