ATTACHMENT 
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 
COMMENTS ON PROPOSED NIH REGULATIONS 
ON RECOMBINANT DNA 
1. Noxious weeds (§58, p. 29803) 
The classification of level 1 or 2 "hazard" based on whether 
plants might breed with noxious weeds is unrealistic because 
weeds that are potential breeding partners may always exist 
somewhere on the earth. A restriction to those weeds found 
within a limited area would be more realistic. 
2. Biohazard signs (§91c, p. 29804) 
A concern is that the general requirement for biohazard signs on 
the doors of laboratories, greenhouses, and other containment 
facilities will be counterproductive. Such signs will convey to 
the public and to university personnel the impression that 
genetically engineered plants or microorganisms are inherently 
dangerous. They will also devalue the value of the biohazard 
sign. This and related requirements should be limited to 
conditions of known risks. 
3. Sunset provision (to amend Section I-C) 
As noted in the attached letter, a time limit for these 
guidelines is appropriate. The following language is suggested 
for consideration by the committee: 
"The guidelines shall remain in effect only until January 1, 
1992; as of that date they are repealed." 
R615 
[338] 
Recombinant DNA Research, Volume 13 
