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(2) the knowledge gained from such research and 
other activities may provide substantial benefits to 
medicine, industry, and agriculture; 
(3) while no imminent hazards have been demon- 
strated, the extent to which organisms containing re- 
combinant DNA present a risk of injury to the health 
of individuals and to the environment has not yet been 
determined; and 
(4) until- the uncertainties regarding the safety and 
potential benefits of recombinant DNA research and 
other activities are resolved, protection of the public 
health and welfare and the responsibilities of the Fed- 
eral Government regarding the commerce of the 
United States are best served by requiring persons who 
conduct such research and activities to notify the De- 
partment of Health, Education, and Welfare of the 
conduct of such activities and the precautions taken to 
provide for the safe conduct of such activities. 
DEFINITIONS 
Sec. 3. For purposes of this Act, the term — 
(1) “DNA” means deoxyribonucleic acid; 
(2) “recombinant DUA” means either — 
(A) molecules that are. constructed outside 
living cells by joining natural or synthetic DNA 
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