procedures for others. The hazards of recombinant DNA research 
and technology are no different if the research is being con- 
ducted by scientists employed by private corporations . rather 
than the NIH. The risk that necessitated regulation of 
NIH grantees necessxates regulation of other research and 
technology. The need for regulation of all parties conducting 
recombinant DNA research is particularly great because even 
one release of a hazardous genetically altered bacterium, 
virus or plasmid could cause widespread illness or disruption 
of the environment. 
C. Interim Relief 
During the period before the hearing is held and final 
regulations are promulgated the public will be exposed to the 
potential hazards of recombinant DNA research and technology 
not now subject to NIH guidelines. Individuals who do not 
receive NIH grants or work for NIH are not effectively 
restrained from conducting any of the experiments which NIH 
deemed so dangerous that they should not be conducted at all. 
Nor are scientists not now covered by the guidelines required 
to practice physical and biological containment of organisms 
with recombinant DNA molecules. To protect the public until 
final regulations are promulgated, EDF and NRDC request that 
the Secretary immediately promulgate regulations which make 
the NIH guidelines binding on all parties engaged in recom- 
binant DNA research and technology. 
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