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to be intended to deal with the ris): of Major epidemic, 
although the chances of initiating an epidemic by recom- 
binant DMA experimentation in E. col i K12 or analogous 
nonpathogenic organisms, appears negligible. 
Eight, the level of containment required for 
work with recombinant DMA from known pathogens is often 
greater than that specified for work with the enteric 
pathogenic organism. The guidelines of some nations 
effectively prohibit recombinant DMA work with genes 
from medically important disease-producing organisms, 
although recombinant DMA methods appear to provide the 
means of carrying out such studies at less risk than is 
involved in the work with the pathogens themselves. 
Finally, the status of guidelines for recombin- 
ant DMA experimentation J_s undergoing rapid change at this 
time. This appears to be the result of a changing assess- 
ment of the conjectural risks that led to the initial 
formation of guidelines, and regulations for research in 
this area, and the realization of substantial benefits 
from the use of this research too. 
The summary of the Working Group on Risk 
Assessment reads as follows: "The Working Group has been 
charged with the task of gathering information related to 
an assessment of risks associated with recombinant DMA 
research. The concerns regarding recombinant DMA research 
[130] 
