Researchers poisoned after consuming tainted coffee

The memo, written by Daniel G. Ennis, executive dean for administration, and Richard M. Shea, associate dean for physical planning and facilities reads, “While we do not yet know how the incident occurred, we have recently learned that sodium azide . . . was present in the coffee consumed by the six employees."

The group had consumed coffee laced with sodium azide, a potentially lethal chemical used as a preservative in labs. The six had used the same single serve, manual-fill coffee machine near the pathological lab on the eighth floor of the New Research Building.

While all six reported symptoms of dizziness, nausea, ringing in the ears and low blood pressure one even passed out. The researchers underwent treatment at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center emergency room.

None of them suffered any serious problems from the poisoning. Five of them were released after medical intervention on the same day and one was monitored overnight and discharged the following day.

Investigations on to determine whether poisoning intentional
The question uppermost in the minds is whether the poisoning was intentional or simply an accident. Harvard spokesman David Cameron revealed that the university police and federal and city health officials were investigating.

Cameron stated that the university did not disclose the facts of the incident to the public because they were themselves unaware of them. However, once some details emerged they notified the people.

Cameron stated, “Essentially, there is an ongoing investigation of what appears to be a single isolated event. Because many details are unknown, (the medical school’s) leadership is taking additional precautionary measures to help ensure the well-being of the community.

He added, “It wasn’t until fairly recently that they were able to be 100 percent sure that this is what it is,” said Cameron.

Security tightened after the incident
The authorities are taking additional precautionary measures and tightening security in the best interests of the medical hospital.

The memo stated, "As always, we are mindful of the need to be diligent about laboratory safety and security and the importance of proper management of laboratory chemicals"

It also states, “We are in the process of installing additional security cameras throughout our buildings, and we are strengthening the security systems that manage access to the laboratories during both normal business hours and off hours.”