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Spheres of Influence
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Oversight Without Obstruction: The Challenge for High-Containment Labs John Manuel Abstract
Across the nation, government agencies, industries, and academic institutions are building high-containment biological laboratories to research hazardous pathogens that might accidentally or intentionally be introduced into the United States. One such lab, the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility being planned by the Department of Homeland Security, is envisioned as a secure high-containment lab that will support collaborative efforts among researchers from government agencies and academia. Although experts agree the knowledge gained from such labs can benefit public health, they point to the need for strict oversight of these facilities and other controls to minimize the odds that pathogens under study will make their way into the environment. The challenge for governing agencies is to provide researchers the flexibility to conduct their work while protecting public safety.
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