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products or reagents. Neither the nature nor the possible tine of onset of 
any such illness Is known. Further, such illnesses nay appear In only one or 
a few workers. Nonetheless, the detection of any occk4>at1ona1 Illness caused 
by reconblnant organisau or by their products will have Inportant biological 
and public health consequences, and should be actively sought. 
CONCLUDING COHHENT 
Medical surveillance of workers engaged In biotechnology will be no substitute 
for other nechanisns for the protection of workers In this Industry. Physical 
containment of organisns and of their products will remain the first line of 
defense against occupational exposures.^ Institution of proper work 
practices and of accurate and comprehensl ve educational programs for workers 
will continue to be of great Importance. Biological containment, resulting 
from use of attenuated or debilitated organisms remains another Important 
protection. There Is however, uncertainty as to the possible health 
consequences of enployment In the Industries which are contenplatlng 
coivnerclal application of biotechnology. Medical surveillance, with all of 
Its shortcomings, provides a means for addressing that uncertainty. 
[ 521 ] 
