![[ image: width=150]](/olmedia/485000/images/_485280_profhastie150.jpg)
The man died after liquid nitrogen spilled in a basement storage room of the Medical Research Council's Human Genetics Unit in the hospital complex.
It is not known if his death resulted from a medical condition or as a result of the chemical leak.
Four other were treated for the effects of inhaling chemicals and were later discharged. One was also treated for cuts to the head.
About 40 people were evacuated from the four-storey block, but emergency services said the leak had been confined to a storage room and there had been no danger to the rest of the hospital.
The Health and Safety Executive said it had launched an immediate investigation into the death.
The centre is a world leader in research into human genetics and the substance involved was used to store human tissue at a sub-zero temperature.
In a statement, the MRC said it was "deeply distressed" by the death of a member of its staff.
Unit director Professor Nick Hastie, stressed the liquid nitrogen had not leaked outside the building.
Referring to the dead man, Professor Hastie said: "This was a person who has worked daily with liquid nitrogen for years.
"It poses no threat, it's an inert substance and he used it regularly for our experiments."
'Not dangerous'
Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade spokesman Ross Wynn said: "Nitrogen gas itself is not dangerous - 80% of the air is made of nitrogen.
"But in a confined space it can be dangerous or in close proximity to the liquid gas, you could get cold burns."
A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said the dead man, whose name would not be released until his relatives have been informed, was a laboratory assistant.
The Human Genetics Unit, established in 1967, is one of the MRC's largest research establishments, supporting about 220 scientists and staff.
The unit is at the forefront of research into human genetics. Its role is to advance the understanding of genetic factors implicated in human disease.
The injured were named as: Margaret McGurk and Ruth Suffolk, both aged 41, from Edinburgh; Agnes Gallagher, 43, from Carnwarth, Lanarkshire and Stewart McKay, 37, from Balerno, in Midlothian.
Health and Safety Executive
Medical Research Council
Human Genetics Unit Edinburgh
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Toys withdrawn in E.coli health scare
Collins calls it a day for Scots
(From Sport)
Pro-lifers plan shock launch
Death inquiry anaesthetist barred
Bowled over by Lord's
Ministers loosen purse strings
'Delight' at Tunnel court outcome
Derby double swoop fails
(From Sport)
Demands for far-reaching information bill
Gaelic makes sound use of the internet
Trusts 'ignoring' depression advice
BBC Scotland - On Air
'Little change' since poverty pledge
Nine hurt as bus crashes into pub
Teachers' union in pay body challenge
Dental death hearing adjourned
Parliament ponders Royal High flit
Reid quits PR job
Industry misses new trains target
Football and royalty dominate Westminster
The next Battle of Britain
(From Sport)
Man charged with murdering lab technician
Lockerbie trial judges named
Festival award for Ratcatcher