Biosafety considerations in industries with production methods based on the use of recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid.

Abstract

ANDRUP L, NIELSENBH, K0L VRAAS. Biosafety considerations in industries with production methods based on the use of recombinant deoxyribonucleicacid. Scand J Work Environ Health 1990;16:85-95. Since no occupational accidents or diseases have been attributed specifically to the use of constructions containing recombinant deoxyribonucleicacid (rDNA), this paper evaluates the occupational health risks in industries utilizinggenetically manipulated organisms mainly on the basis of theoretical considerations. Bacteria, filamentous fungi, yeasts, and mammalian cellsin culture are in use. For each of these systems the possible hazards are considered. Concerning microbial production systems, infections are regarded as the main problem, but the risk of infection is considered extremely low. As for cells in culture, only dormant viruses are regarded as problematic, but well-defined production cell lines should not contain such undetected and dangerous viruses. Overall, the additional risks posed by rDNA-modified microorganisms are minor. Only long-term observations can, however, confirm this assumption, and consequently the highest feasible containment measures should still be used in the years to come.

Laboratory and Production Biosafety When Working With Bioobjects: Regulatory and Organizational and Technical Aspects

“…Лабораторне зараження може спричинити серйозну інфекцію, але доступні ефективні лікувальні та профілактичні заходи, і ризик поширення інфекції обмежений (помірний індивідуальний ризик; низький ризик для суспільства) [4]. Прикладами таких організмів можуть бути Aeromonas hydrophila, E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Salmonella spp., Penicillium marneffei, Blastomyces dermatitidis тощо [10].…”

Occupational risk in health care and research

“…hazard is caused by contamination with biological samples from infected patients, preparation and use of modified cell cultures and contact with animals, as well as direct handling of microorganisms as an object of study or as vectors. A number of studies point out problems related to the handling of tissue cultures, hybridoma, vaccine production [Liberman et al, 1991], use of recombinant DNA, bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and viruses [Andrup et al, 1990]. The assessment of virus exposure has long been studied because it concerns not only health care workers and researchers, but also potentially the entire population.…”

“…A number of studies point out problems related to the handling of tissue cultures, hybridoma, vaccine production [Liberman et al, 1991], use of recombinant DNA, bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and viruses [Andrup et al, 1990]. The assessment of virus exposure has long been studied because it concerns not only health care workers and researchers, but also potentially the entire population.…”

Managing environmental risks from genetically modified organisms: the role of safety training

“…Israeli (1986) found that 80 per cent of laboratory acquired infections caused by an identifiable accident occurred as a result of human error and only 20 per cent were due to equipment error. Similarly, studies of safety in high technology industries (such as the nuclear industry) have concluded that the main source of accidents lies in the potential for human error, since engineering devices have reached a high level of sophistication (ACSNI, 1990 dent causation, appropriate instruction and training for personnel working with GM/GMOs is essential (Andrup et al, 1990). The 1986 OECD guidelines on safety considerations for applications of recombinant DNA stipulate that personnel working with potentially infectious agents or allergenic/toxic materials must be aware of any potential hazards and must be trained and proficient in the practices and techniques necessary for the safe handling of such materials.…”