4 
had been c»lonized by recombinant DN^ ocxitaining microorganisms. Dr. Landrigan 
replied that NIQ6H elected not to evaluate ervironmental surveillance as 
current sampling technology is not sufficiently sensitive to justify the 
cost. Dr. Logan of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSH^) 
asked if periodic blood sampling of workers was recommended by the CDC/HI06H 
report. Dr. Landrigan replied that the document suggests a baseline sample 
is necessary. Hie guesticxi of periodic sampling vbs not addressed as any 
measuring of serum samples must have very specific goals. Dr. Levin of the 
Environmental Protect ic»i Agency (EPA) asked how long the blood samples should 
be stored. Dr. Landrigan replied that mimimally he thought they should be 
stored for the period of employment. Dr. Richardson said the CDC stores 
its serum samples indefinitely. Drs. Mason and Levin suggested that samples 
should be stored for the lifetime of the individual. Dr. landrigan said the 
CDC/MI06H document was vague cis to storage times to permit companies a certain 
latitude. 
Dr. Tolin of the Dhited States Department of Agriculture (USCA) asked if the 
nature of the products was considered by Dr. landrigan' s group. Dr. landrigan 
replied that it was not, as all potential products of biotechnology cannot 
be predicted. 
Dr. Levin said EPA has let two ocxitracts to evaluate possible problems with 
recombinant DMA technologies. Both of those reports suggest that few if ary 
paroblems will develop with established experienced firms, however, emerging 
firms or firms new to fermentation technology mi^t present some difficulties. 
Hie reports suggest educational courses. Dr. Bems added that the American 
Society for Micrdaiology (Al^) has stressed the importance of education in 
the recombinant ENA area, including the education of industrial microbiologists. 
[ 372 ] 
