Reply to comment

"While it might arguably useful to prove through scientific study that whites and blacks were harmed in the same way by the disease, doing so against consent is beyond unethical, it borders on criminal." It is. The Tuskegee Experiment was bad. Things have changed big time. But telling you and others that doesn't necessarily pacify your fears. I get that. Poor people are vulnerable. That's why I blog and share science with people. They are equally vulnerable to misinformation and emotionally charged rantings like yours. They could be lead to believe that all things regarding science or research is scary and should be avoided. My intent is for people to be discerning. That happens when they fully comprehend the scientific process - including ethical issues and how science/research has several checks and self-correcting measures. You haven't addressed or asked about any of these processes in the entire thread.

"You scientists have bad bed-side manners. Go and convince them of your character." I also advise you to watch the 'you people' blanket statements. Lawyers aren't credited for being the most upright & ethical professionals. Generalizations like these aren't productive. This image you're promoting that all scientists are big bad (white) wolves out their to use people (poor people and people of color) as collateral damage in their quest for new knowledge is harmful and inaccurate. Scientists are people - all kinds, shapes, colors, and intentions. Scientific questions are born out of real world issues that affect people. Most scientists ask questions that are personally relevant to them, concerning things going on in their proximity. The Sewer study to reduce bioaccesible lead was one such study.

Fact check: The Study did NOT test people. People were not the subjects. Though you haven't directly said so, I assume your concern is that the compost may have contained some harmful agents. If that is your question, that is answered on the Study's fact sheet. It did not. It was treated so all pathogens were killed and it was safe. Also that same compost has and is used by the public and sold at garden stores. It's manure.
Does that mean that we shouldn't concern ourselves with possible down the line health issues? No. And that can easily be followed up on.

And to my original and most important question - What's the foul? Who has been harmed? Who has said that they weren't fully informed? I've read up on the story (and see comments on this study on NPR's News & Views), the only person saying something might be wrong is an alarmist mis-informing reporter and you (and others like you). You have no real information on the status of the participants in this study. Your suspicions aren't even based on whistle blowing just blowhearting.

Blogs are great for sharing information and vetting opinions and schools of thought. Yours isn't the authority - neither is mine. But between the 2 of us concerning this issue (a scientific one) I am the expert. Your conviction is noted, but it doesn't qualify you to explain what science is or is not to the public.

Another lesson in research and scientific process: Informed Consent - It is the law. And in Clinical Research there are entire offices that handle recruiting and working with potential subjects. It is not a cattle call. As a researcher, I can attest to how one struggles to get a diverse subject pool because of these fear and trust issues. The research is explained (in writing and in person). Subjects are screened several times before being asked to participate. If they agree the research is explained (again), not glossed over. People have the opportunity to ask questions, then they sign off. If they have ANY concern - health, ethics, etc. they are given contact information of the hospital/university administration and research oversight group. What's more a person can discontinue participations AT ANY TIME - before, during or after (refusing follow-up). They're personal information is encoded and kept secret and it is passed on to the Feds (oversight) in case any hanky-panky or concerns are discovered down the line so that they can be contacted and helped.

The Urban Scientist
www.SciEdSociety.blogspot.com