A North Texas businessman peddling a lotion he claims can protect the public from anthrax has garnered support from a veteran congressman, a respected police chief and a microbiologist at a University of Texas branch known for bioterrorism research. But an investigation by The Dallas Morning News shows the company appears to be built on little more than shaky science and the long-standing friendships of the man’s father. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says Bio-Germ lacks federal approval and could face scrutiny for claims made on its Web site.Allan Lord’s $250 Bio-Germ Protection kits contain skin lotion, a nasal spray, an aerosol spray and a mask. Lord sells the kit online, and several products also can be bought separately.The company says the lotion, made from grapefruit seeds and the oil of an Australian tree, can shield the skin of public safety workers responding to a potential terrorist attack. The aerosol can be sprayed to decontaminate a room, and the nasal spray can treat people who have inhaled spores.U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall (news, bio, voting record) and McKinney Police Chief Doug Kowalski, who holds homeland security seminars around the country and led the Dallas police SWAT team for a decade, support the product on its promotional videos.
