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nFC 17 1973 
Donald Fredrickson, M.D. 
Director 
National Institutes of Health 
5600 Fishers Lane 
Bethesda, Maryland 20014 
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is 
concerned about potential health hazards to workers 
exposed to recombinant DNA. This concern is intensi- 
fied by the increasing commercial uses of recombinant 
DNA in multiple diverse areas , the prospect of larger 
quantities being utilized in certain production pro- 
cesses, and the increasing number of individuals who 
will be exposed as the uses of recombinant DNA 
materials are further developed. 
OSHA supports the program of voluntary compliance with 
the. NIH recombinant DNA guidelines for research and 
use in areas outside its jurisdiction but feels that 
more formalized enforcement of procedures and rules 
within the regulated private sector is warranted. 
OSHA has a mandate to protect the health and safety 
of all workers , including workers involved in recom- 
binant DNA research and utilization. 
Because the nature of the hazards to individuals working 
with recombinant DNA remains somewhat theoretical , OSHA 
strongly urges that a major effort be undertaken to 
identify and describe the potential hazards to all 
exposed individuals . Only when the risks are better 
understood, can a strong enforcement program be under- 
taken. To help achieve this goal, we would like to 
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