INTRODUCTION 
Safety measures in the international transfer of biological research materials and 
microbiological practice were discussed in Geneva from 14 - 17 September 1976 at consultations 
jointly organized by the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health, 
Bethesda, USA. 
Dr Goodman, Director, WHO Office of Research Promotion and Development, and Mr Oviatt, 
Chief, Environmental Safety Branch of NIH, welcomed the participants on behalf of the Director 
General of WHO and the Director of the National Institutes of Health. They stressed the 
necessity to improve the international transfer of infectious substances in view of recent 
developments in microbiology and genetics. Since safety in the transfer of infectious 
substances depends on the experience, equipment and reliability of the sender as well as of the 
carrier and receiver, shipment conditions must be considered within the wider context of safety 
measures in microbiology and genetics. This report proposes, therefore, in Part I, require- 
ments and procedures for the international transfer of infectious or presumably infectious 
substances for research or diagnostic purposes whereas, with Part II, the group recommends to 
WHO specific activities on safety measures in microbiological practice. 
In line with the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Medical Research (1975 and 
1976) the group stresses the major global responsibility of WHO to keep health ministries and 
other appropriate authorities fully informed of developments with regard to safety, benefits 
and hazards, both real and conjectural, with respect to pathogens, microorganisms and work on 
DNA recombinant research. Because of the rapid developments in the field under review, the 
consultants welcomed the initiative taken by WHO and expressed their hope that the actions 
proposed in this report as an essential minimum will be implemented in due course through 
international technical cooperation. 
PART II . SAFETY MEASURES IN MICROBIOLOGICAL PRACTICE 
In this second part of the report the group presents the main conclusions of discussions 
on safety of microbiological practices. In particular, the group recommends that WHO initiate 
discussions with other international organizations, associations and institutions on the wide 
scope of problems of genetic engineering. Besides such discussions on scientific, ethical and 
political aspects the group recommends to initiate without delay technical cooperation on 
clearly defined programme areas. Permanent international working groups of experts and public 
health officers should be established in order to address the most urgent problems of safety 
measures and emergency services. These groups should consider, in particular, the needs of 
developing countries and ensure harmonization of safeguards at a worldwide level. 
The practice of microbiology involves a number of risks associated not only with the 
handling of microorganisms but also with apparatus and chemicals. The specific concern of 
this group has been the evaluation of measures for the safe handling of potentially dangerous 
microorganisms, including organisms carrying new genetic combinations where the danger is 
unknown . 
VI-3 thru -8 
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