5 
report. The resolution, dealing with the issue of vh ether any special risk 
per se is associated with recombinant DNA technology, was passed by a narrow 
majority (the chairman broke a tie vote). Dr. Bems said this resolution 
is not attached to the CDC/NIOSH report. 
Dr. Martin suggests! the fallowing language be deleted frcm the CDC/NIOSH 
report: 
"Among the conditions which may place a worker at heightened 
risk of acquiring occupational illness in biotechnology are 
the following : 
- conditions which impair the non-specific defenses 
against infection (chronic skin, respiratory tract, 
and bowel disease); 
- impaired immune competence; 
- immunosuppression (caused, for example, by steroids, 
radiation therapy, alkylating agents, or antimetabolites); 
- long term treatment with antibiotics; 
- cancer; 
- other chronic illnesses, such as chronic kidney disease, 
diabetes mellitus, or the collagen diseases." 
Dr. Martin felt the list was too specific and particularly questioned the 
category "impaired immune competence." 
Dr. McKinney suggested Dr. Martin's comments should be conveyed to the 
authors and that RAC not attempt to modify the document. Dr. McKinney 
then moved his suggestion to acknowledge receipt of the CDC/NIC6H report 
with thanks and to consider publishing it in the Recombinant DNA Technical 
Bulletin . Dr. Harris suggested that the RAC first move to receive the 
CDC/NIOSH report and commend the authors; RAC would then vote separately 
on whether the article should be published. Dr. McKinney accepted 
Dr. Harris' proposal. The question was called on receiving the report 
and by a vote of fourteen in favor, none opposed, and no abstentions, the 
RAC called the vote on the motion. By a vote of fourteen in favor, none 
opposed, and no abstentions, the RAC received the CDC/NIOSH report and 
commended the authors. 
Dr. McKinney then moved that the CDC/NIOSH report be published in the 
Recombinant DMA Technical Bulletin . Mr. Mitchell seconded the motion. 
Dr. Martin then offered an amendment to delete the language describing 
conditions which imay place a worker at heightened risk of acquiring occupa- 
tional illness. Dr. McGarrity seconded Dr. Martin's motion. Dr. McKinney 
did not accept Dr. Martin's proposed amendment. He thought all the examples 
[111 
