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read, "An autoclave for sterilization of wastes and contami- 
nated materials shall be available in the laboratory (and 
preferably within the controlled laboratory area) " 
2. An area of great concern and debate are the restrictions and 
prohibition of the release of an organism containing recombinant 
nucleic acid structures. As of this time, the guidelines prohibit 
such action and with due cause. The release of a recombinant 
organism without staff icient efficacy and environmental assess- 
ment may be hazardous to other free-living organisms and the en- 
vironment, providing it is able to survive in a given niche. 
With this in view, there still exists sufficient reasons that 
warrant the release of said organisms, providing there exists 
efficacy, an environmental assessment, and sufficient rules and 
regulations to protect against a potentially hazardous organism 
or the development of a mutation of the same. 
The development of certain organisms with an ability to carry 
out useful functions, both for industry and the environment, 
should be sought. The regulations for the release or lose of 
these organisms should be developed. These regulations must in- 
sure that there is sufficient research, environmental assessment, 
mutagenic studies, and other related studies in order to safely 
warrant the release or use of beneficial recombinant organisms. 
The guidelines make no provision for such activities, nor is it 
apparent that it will in the near future. I feel such activities 
should be made available. 
There is no question that there is a lack of information concern- 
ing hosts, vectors, and recombinant organisms. There are many 
risks when dealing with this research. Thus, precautions must 
be taken to protect nature from such risks. But, if a beneficial 
organism to industry and the environment is developed with the 
proper efficacy, regulations, and assessments, it should be 
utilized. 
Proper legislation should be set forth to allow for the possible 
usage of recombinant organisms. Section 361 of the Public Health 
Service Act is a major piece of legislation that iray provide for 
commercial applications. New legislation, with future develop>- 
ments in mind, is needed to cope with this problem. 
In summary, I recommend that the possibility of utilizing a re- 
combinant organism be made available through regulations set forth 
by the National Institute of Health, the Food and Drug Administra- 
tion, Section 361 of the Public Service Act> and possible future 
Congressional legislation. The possible benefits are all too 
great to ignore, providing there exists strict control. 
[A-72] 
