Harrison Research Laboratory, Human Testing Fraud, NJ 2000

TRENTON, NJ – Harrison Research Laboratory faced federal charges and penalties in 2000 after conducting illegal and unethical tests on over 300 individuals using the common insect repellent DEET. The investigation, spearheaded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a pattern of deceptive practices and a deliberate attempt to obstruct a federal audit.

According to court documents, Harrison Research Laboratory subjected participants to DEET exposure without obtaining informed consent. Crucially, subjects were not informed about the nature of the testing, its purpose, or the potential health risks associated with DEET, including both physical and psychological effects. This constituted a blatant disregard for basic ethical and legal standards governing human subject research.

The scheme deepened when Lynne Harrison, a principal at the laboratory, allegedly directed a contracted firm to falsify dates on documents. This backdating was a clear attempt to mislead the EPA during an impending audit and to falsely demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements outlined in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

On February 2, 2000, the company was formally charged with obstruction of proceedings (18 U.S.C. 1505) and pled guilty. Lynne Harrison herself was charged with violating FIFRA [7 U.S.C. 136j (a)(2)(P)], specifically regarding the unlawful testing of pesticides on humans without proper consent. She also entered a guilty plea. The actions represent a serious breach of public trust and a disregard for the well-being of those unknowingly subjected to the experiments.

The sentencing, delivered on July 25, 2000, reflected the severity of the offenses. Harrison Research Laboratory was placed on five years of probation and ordered to pay a substantial federal fine of $104,000. Lynne Harrison received a personal fine of $5,000. While financial penalties were levied, critics argue the sentences were insufficient given the scope of the deception and the potential harm inflicted on test subjects.

Key Facts

Defendant: Harrison Research Laboratory
Crime: Illegal human testing of DEET without informed consent and obstruction of justice.
Location: New Jersey
Year: 2000
Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1), 7 U.S.C. 136j (a)(2)(P), 18 U.S.C. 1505
Penalties: $104,000 fine for the company, 5 years probation, $5,000 fine for Lynne Harrison.
Number of Subjects: Over 300 individuals were unknowingly used in the DEET testing.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow any potential developments related to this case, including any civil suits filed by affected individuals. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous oversight and ethical conduct in scientific research, particularly when human subjects are involved.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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