119 
Two commentators suggested more discussion on the ethics of 
"genetic engineering. "[20, 35] In the Draft EIS it was noted that the 
use of recombinant DNA research techniques for the possible correction 
or amelioration of human genetic defects raises complex and difficult 
problems requiring serious public debate and consideration. Recombinant 
DNA research, however, is not directed to the altering of human genes, 
and its potential for doing so in the near future is questionable. 
Since the publication of the draft EIS, a number of developments 
have occurred in Congress as well as the Department of Health, 
Education, and Welfare concerning studies to be undertaken to ensure 
thorough review of the social, ethical, and legal implications of genetic 
techniques such as recombinant DNA to alter the genetic character of 
man and other forms of life. Further discussion of those developments 
is included in the text of the EIS. 
4. Possible Deliberate Misuse 
Some commentators considered this section in the Draft EIS too 
brief and sanguine, for they believed that recombinant DNA technology 
might yield intentionally hazardous agents [2, 11, 17, 30, 32, 33]. It is not 
certain that recombinant DNA research techniques could produce 
hazardous organisms. Any discussion of potential misuse by saboteurs 
would be entirely speculative. Further efforts would, of course, be 
necessary if future scientific or safety information shows that the problem 
is less hypothetical. This Section of the EIS has been expanded by 
inclusion of remarks by Ambassador Joseph Martin, Jr., stating that 
the use of recombinant DNA for biological warfare is prohibited by 
the Biological Weapons Convention. 
V. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION 
Section V of the EIS has been substantially revised and expanded. 
Not only have four new subsections been added, but an attempt has 
been made to document more fully the rationale underlying the Guide- 
lines, to describe better their prohibitions and requirements, and to 
explain the application of physical and biological containment. The 
text dealing with administrative framework relative to compliance 
with the Guidelines has been augmented. 
A. General Application of the Guidelines 
This Section of the EIS is devoted to a description of the science 
and safety standards of the NIH Guidelines and their implementation 
by the NIH, local institutions, and investigators. A number of 
commentators directed their remarks to roles and responsibilities 
for safety as defined in the Guidelines. 
