List of laboratory biosecurity incidents

A lab leak refers to the accidental release of pathogens, chemicals, or other hazardous materials from a laboratory setting. This term gained significant attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, as some scientists and researchers proposed it as a possible origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The concept of a lab leak highlights concerns about biosafety and biosecurity measures in laboratories, particularly those handling high-risk pathogens. In Hebrew, the term can be translated as דליפת מעבדה (diluf me'abada). In other languages, it is known as fuga de laboratorio in Spanish, laboratoire fuite in French, and Laborleck in German. The idea of a lab leak underscores the importance of stringent protocols and international cooperation to prevent such incidents, which could have severe public health and environmental consequences.