MBTA to Spread Dead Bacteria on Red Line in Bio-Terror Test
In order to test sensors that detect biological agents that terror groups could release into subway systems, Homeland Security and the T plan to release dead mutating bacteria at three Red Line stops during off-hours.
The MBTA and Homeland Security plan to release dead mutating bacteria into three Red Line stations this summer to test bio-terror sensors.
The agencies held a public meeting about the plan Wednesday. The bacteria, bacillus subtilis, is not infectious even in its live form (yeah, right), according to government documents. The bacteria is used in farming, as a food supplement for humans and livestock and as an ingredient in organic dog food, according to a government Q&A, attached as a PDF. (So the FDA approves it’s use – that means it’s safe???)
The tests will be done in Cambridge and Somerville at the Davis, Harvard Square and Porter Stations.
Harold
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