News reports indicate that Neuralink, Elon Musk’s neural tech company, was fined for transporting hazardous materials without proper authorization. The information comes from Reuters, which cited documents from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
In February 2023, investigators conducted facility inspections in Texas and California and found that Neuralink had not registered as a carrier of hazardous substances.
The inspections also revealed problems with how hazardous waste was packaged, including flammable solvent xylene. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that exposure to xylene can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, and impaired coordination, and in severe cases may be fatal.
According to the documents, the Department of Transportation issued a civil penalty of $2,480 after Neuralink agreed to address the identified issues. The final amount was lower than the agency’s initial proposed penalty.
The records do not explain the specific reasons Neuralink was handling hazardous materials nor do they indicate whether any harm occurred as a result of the violations.
Earlier statements associated Neuralink with plans to place chips in the brains of living people, a project that has generated substantial public interest and regulatory scrutiny.