3 
Aspergillus flavus which produces aflatoxlns In only trace amounts at IS and 
45 degrees centigrade, but at 35 degrees centigrade, produces 40 mg/kg (p.25). 
Second, there might be genotypic variation or contamination with foreign 
organisms, particularly under conditions of continuous cultivation, where 
organisms are maintained through many thousands of generations: "If a con- 
tamtnant arose which was able to maintain Itself then no matter how carefully 
the original testing had been done, and Irrespective of the purpose to 
which the product was to be put, no guarantee concerning either the safety 
of the process or the culture could be given. The situation Is, In this respect, 
fundamentally different from farming with animals and plants, where much 
more precise control of the genotype Is possible because one generation 
Is cultivated at a time and alterations In genotype are. In any case, less 
frequent and much more obvious." (pp.34-5) 
c) The discharge of live organisms Into the environment might have ecological 
effects. For example, the continuous low-level discharge of antibiotic might 
create Ideal conditions for the selection of resltant organisms. If contained 
on a plasmid, that genetic Information "could then be passed by stages 
throughout the microbial world." (p.31) Another possible effect might be that 
"the discharge of live organisms to the environment could . . . Increase the 
food supply to the natural flora and fauna, or supply competition, which If 
successful, might change the natural balance with no predictable result." (p.31) 
No doubt It Is recognition of possibilities such as these which has 
led many scientists who have considered the hazards of small- and large-scale work 
work to conclude that large-scale work presents special types of problems 
which, at this stage In the development of the technology, require careful 
monitoring and control. I feel that that position Is fully Justified, and 
therefore support the continuation of the present system of prior review 
of large-scale proposals by the RAC. 
1. On pressures In the genetic engineering field, see, e.g. the statement of 
Michael Ross of Cenentech', Inc., quoted In the Wall Street Journal .8-28-81 . p.28: 
"If you come out a year after someone else, forget It. You'll have lOZ of the 
market, and he'll have 90Z." 
2. Letter of Donna Haber, Divisional Of fleer , Association of Scientific Technical 
and Managerial Staffs, London, and member, QIAG, 26th August 1981. 
3. K.Sargeant and C.G.T. Evans, Hazards Involved In the Industrial use of mlcro- 
organlams: A study of the necessity, content and management principles of a 
posalble Co— unity action (Brussels: Commission of the European Communities, 1979} 
4. Anthony Tucker, "The best of a nasty business," Guardian . 5-8-1980, p.22. 
See also Robert Walgate, " How safe will blobuslness be?" Nature . 1-10-80, pp. 126-7 
Notes 
[605J 
