Dermatologist Who Conducted Unethical Experiments on Prison Inmates

Dermatologist and researcher Albert Kligman, on prisoners without their consent with harmful substances such as dioxin conducted various experiments.

Because his defense exploits groups in this way It has been the cause of much debate regarding ethics. Let’s see who this scientist is and what kind of experiments exactly did he conduct?

Who is Albert Kligman?

Albert Kligman, who lived between 1916-2010, against acne and signs of aging He conducted many studies in the field of dermatology, including the development of Retin-A (tretinoin), an important treatment.

Although his contribution to science is great, unethical experiments on prison inmates, He tarnished his profession and damaged his reputation.

He conducted experiments on prison inmates, even though they did not volunteer.

Prison inmates are among the vulnerable groups as they cannot make completely free and voluntary decisions. Albert Kligman took this as an opportunity and conducted experiments on prisoners. Many of the participants; He was unaware of the nature, risks and purpose of the experiments. For a few dollars They had attended.

They were exposed to various chemicals, toxins and carcinogenic substances.

Hundreds of prisoners; From harsh chemicals to carcinogenic substances such as dioxin; many substances that may threaten their health was exposed.

In addition, other experimental substances that caused burns, rashes and long-term health problems were not hesitated to be used. The aim is only were scientific interests. The doctor didn’t care that the people in front of him were human beings.

The experiments were not done just for academia.

These unethical experiments of Albert Kligman financing by cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies; revealed conflicts of interest. In other words, the studies were not only for academic purposes, commercial interests were also included.

Products range from face creams to skin moisturizers, perfumes to detergents and anti-redness treatments; It was tested on prisoners.

During the experiments, some prisoners suffered serious skin irritations, burns and infections. In those who come into contact with more harmful chemicals, long-term health problems appeared.

The doctor received no punishment.

Experiments are carried out in accordance with Article II, particularly regarding informed consent and protection of participants. Adopted after World War II Nuremberg Home violated its principles. The doctor’s reputation was also damaged considerably.

Ethical rules regarding research on human subjects were tightened in the 1970s and 1980s. During this period, Kligman’s work was frequently criticized. In the 1990s, some inmates or their families filed lawsuits against Kligman and other researchers for ethical violations, but the lawsuits due to timeout rejected.

Speaking of unethical experiments on humans, it is also worth mentioning animals.

Today, unfortunately, animal experiments are still used and animals are in terms of feelability They are no different from humans. We share the same feelings and the same pain. All animals used in experiments are subjected to various tortures and eventually die.

With the advancement of technology and science, animal-free methods such as stem cells, It is obvious that it provides better results in modeling and treating human diseases.

As long as we continue to consume products of brands that test on animals, we continue this torture, even if we are not aware of it. Our consumption habits with brands that do not conduct animal testing When we change and continue, the demand for brands that experiment will decrease, so they are making various attempts to become among the brands without experiments.

In order to understand whether the product of any brand has been subjected to animal testing, check the front or back of these products. “cruelt-free/ vegan” You can look at their emblems; search engines “… is the brand vegan?” You can ask the question.

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