Page 1 of Attachment 0 
Statement 
Subcommittee on Industrial Practices 
Federal Interagency Advisory Committee on Recombinant DNA Research 
June 18, 1980 
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee: 
We appreciate this opportunity to meet with the Subcommittee to briefly 
discuss the subject of occupational health as it is related to the emerging and 
important field of recombinant DNA research and technological development. 
Accompanying me today is Dr. Ann Skalka from the Roche Institute of Molecular 
Biology. Dr. Skalka is a recognized expert in the field of recombinant DNA re- 
search. More importantly, she is a highly respected world authority on the 
subject of risk assessment.having served as the convenor and chairperson of the 
first Working Group on Risk Assessment of the Committee on Genetic Experi- 
mentation of the International Council of Scientific Unions. I shall make a brief 
presentation after which Dr. Skalka and I shall be pleased to respond to your 
questions. 
It is important to place the subject of risk associated with recombinant 
DNA research and technology in proper perspective. The procedures used in 
and production 
recombinant DNA laboratory research/are based upon well established techniques 
in the basic sciences of molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology and engineering. 
There is nothing novel or unique in these routine procedures that 
would suggest the need for extraordinary precautions or special handling by lab- 
oratory personnel or supervisors. On the contrary, the enfeebled nature of host 
Presented by John G. Adams, Ph. D. , Vice President, Office of Scientific and 
Professional Relations, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association 
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