Page 28 of Attachment E 
Could the use of E. coli, a known inhabitant of the human intestinal 
tract, as the host organism for recombinant DNA experimentation lead 
to epidemics? 
Could recombinant DNA harbored in E. coli be transferred to other 
organisms in the intestinal tract? 
Could novel organisms be created that could be ecologically 
disruptive or cause human or animal disease? 
Are physical and biological barriers used in the experimentation 
adequate to prevent the escape of hazardous organisms from the 
laboratory? 
Could genes from eukaryotic cells be transferred into prokaryotic 
cells and express their genetic information in ways that could be harm- 
ful? 
And finally, is it possible to develop for use in experimentation an 
organism so fastidious in its growth requirements as to be unable to 
grow outside of the laboratory? 
At the end, they concluded the following: 
“ ... In summary the Panel believes that the body of evidence 
acquired or adduced over the last few years clearly indicates that 
recombinant DNA research when performed under the NIH Guidelines 
presents no real risk to public health. Past experience teaches that no 
manifest epidemics have ever arisen from laboratory work even with 
extremely pathogenic and/or contagious organisms and recombinant 
DNA work uses non-pathogenic organisms with diminished com- 
municability. Knowledge of the biology of EK-2 hosts and vectors and of 
the available physical containment facilities gives confidence that when 
the research is in the hands of trained workers no untoward events will 
occur. 
We conclude with the majority of scientists that many of the concerns 
first expressed by scientists in 1973, have been satisfactorily answered. 
Significantly, several scientists who had first called for extreme caution 
have now stated their belief that research under present guidelines is 
safe ...” 
They state further: 
”... The discussion of the concerns which have been raised 
regarding recombinant DNA technology indicates that they are largely 
without foundation. Indeed, it is probable that most recombinant DNA 
work using enfeebled E. coli K-12 systems could be carried out safely 
without any special precautions. Consequently, the public and its 
representatives in legislative and administrative offices should consider 
carefully the risks of overregulating this kind of endeavor. 
Recombinant DNA research under the NIH Guidelines has such great 
promise for rapid future benefits and so little chance of causing harm 
that its regulation should be implemented with a minimum of restric- 
tion. Cumbersome and punitive legislation is not needed. The financial 
cost of overly cautious containment and enforcement, the delay in 
achieving benefits, and the penalties incurred by restricting freedom of 
inquiry are real risks to be considered in setting up regulations ...” 
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