16 
Protection of workers was also considered by the Committee. 
Training of workers in proper laboratory techniques and long-term medical 
monitoring are important aspects of worker safety and were endorsed by 
the group. 
A number of other recommendations are made, and I can discuss them 
further if you have questions. I would like to emphasize that the work 
of the Interagency Committee has been done in a most cooperative and 
helpful way. 
DHEW will continue to cooperate and coordinate with relevant 
Federal Departments and Agencies in this important matter. 
IV. CONCLUSION 
In conclusion, this much is clear: the international and national 
scientific community is in substantial agreement that, until the potential 
hazards of recombinant DNA techniques are better understood, a common set 
of standards must everywhere exist for the use of those techniques. The 
question being debated now is how this is to be accomplished . The 
substance of all guidelines is sufficiently similar; how to apply them 
locally and nationally remains the issue. 
In the United States, this question has attracted far more public 
attention than in other countries. Indeed, a number of local jurisdictions 
or States are engaged in action or debate. 
[ 875 ] 
