6 
•changes in the germ plasm of plants to alter protein storage 
proteins, to enhance plant resistance to microbes, insects, 
nematodes, or stress, or to introduce the ability to fix nitrogen; 
•changes in biological control agents to act against insect predators. 
No health hazard to man in any of these activities has been identified at this 
ti me . 
Report from Department of Commerce 
Dr. Gordon distributed copies of his prepared remarks comparing the hazards 
of making the same product by different methods. (This is appended as 
Attachment C.) He considered the production from ethylene of ethyl alcohol, 
ethylene oxide, and ethylene glycol, comparing the current petrochemical 
operations with possible recombinant DNA procedures. Current procedures use 
high temperatures (up to 400°C) and high pressures (up to 1000 psig). At such 
extreme temperatures and pressures, failure of reactor vessels or lines would 
indeed be catastrophic. The chemical industry has a very low accident rate for 
this type of operation, but with recombinant DNA techniques, because they use 
less extreme conditions, catastrophic accidents are even less likely. 
Next Subcommittee Meeting 
Dr. Omenn indicated that he will be sending Dr. Fredrickson, Chairman of 
the parent Committee, an interim report on the activities of the Industrial 
Practices Subcommittee, appending copies of the minutes of the three Subcommittee 
meetings. (Executive Secretary's note: Dr. Omenn's memorandum to Dr. Fredrickson 
is appended as Attachment D.) 
[ 497 ] 
