Cambridge, Massachusetts has emerged within the past 20 years as one of the primary global incubators of innovation in biotechnology. Over 40 firms engaged in recombinant DNA research and production are located within this academic city (pop ~100,000), including several of the largest biotech companies in the world. Many labs have been drawn to Cambridge by the presence of Harvard and M.I.T., while many other biotech ventures emerged directly from these prestigious biology and biochemistry faculties. The current general acceptance of recombinant DNA activities within the city's boundaries did not come without intense debate in the mid-1970s over the public health implications of allowing scientists to create genetically altered organisms. Concerns about the consequences of unintended releases of genetically recombined viruses and bacteria were loudly articulated during public dialogue in a city already known for its fervent public policy debates. The Cambridge Experimentation Review Board, consisting primarily of lay residents, was formed to review the risks associated with recombinant DNA experimentation. Eventually a city ordinance was drafted to grant local control over these activities. This ordinance specifically incorporated federal guidelines promulgated to protect the public and laboratory scientists from risks posed by such organisms. These NIH "Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules", locally enforced as law, classify organisms by Risk Group and experiments by Biosafety (or containment) Level. The Cambridge Public Health Department has responsibility for enforcing this ordinance in all laboratories engaged in recombinant DNA research or, most recently, in the manufacturing of products for human use.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the learner will be able to: 1. Identify challenges facing municipalities that are enforcing local biosafety regulations. 2. Discuss and analyze public concerns related to the presence of this technology in the community. 3. Develop a strategy for establishing local oversight and control over biotechnology activities
Keywords: Environmental Health, Safety in Labs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.