In this article, published in the New York Times, author Coral Davenport blows the whistle on the Environmental Protection Agency, which “failed to consistently disclose health risks, including possible cancer risks, to research study participants who were exposed to dangerous pollutants.”  In studies conducted in 2010 and 2011 by the Environmental Protection Agency, participants were “exposed…to soot and diesel exhaust emissions,” potential carcinogens, yet the risks for cancer were notably omitted from “consent forms obtained from the subjects.”

The purpose of sharing this, I think, is to keep in mind that progress is important when attempting to find new solutions, methods or even cures meant to have a greater benefit than the potential detriment caused by a study, yet just as important is utilizing the right methods to go about these discoveries.  The means must be just as honorable as the ends.