High-containment biosafety laboratories : preliminary observations on the oversight of the proliferation of BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories in the United States : testimony before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives / statement of Keith Rhodes.
| Author/creator | Rhodes, Keith A. |
| Other author | United States. Congress. House. Committee on Energy and Commerce. Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. |
| Other author | United States. Government Accountability Office. |
| Format | Electronic |
| Publication Info | [Washington, D.C.] : U.S. Govt. Accountability Office, [2007] |
| Description | 35 pages : digital, PDF file. |
| Supplemental Content | http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08108t.pdf |
| Supplemental Content | https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/LPS87976 |
| Subjects |
| Variant title | High containment biosafety laboratories : preliminary observations on the oversight of the proliferation of BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories in the United States |
| Portion of title | Preliminary observations on the oversight of the proliferation of BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories in the United States |
| Series | Testimony ; GAO-08-108 T Testimony GAO-08-108 T. ^A682308 |
| Abstract | In response to the global spread of emerging infectious diseases and the threat of bioterrorism, high-containment biosafety laboratories (BSL)--specifically biosafety level (BSL)-3 and BSL-4--have been proliferating in the United States. These labs--classified by the type of agents used and the risk posed to personnel, the environment, and the community--often contain the most dangerous infectious disease agents, such as Ebola, smallpox, and avian influenza. This testimony addresses (1) the extent to which there has been a proliferation of BSL-3 and BSL-4 labs, (2) federal agencies' responsibility for tracking this proliferation and determining the associated risks, and (3) the lessons that can be learned from recent incidents at three high-containment biosafety labs. To address these objectives, GAO asked 12 federal agencies involved with high-containment labs about their missions and whether they tracked the number of labs overall. GAO also reviewed documents from these agencies, such as pertinent legislation, regulation, and guidance. Finally, GAO interviewed academic experts in microbiological research. |
| General note | Title from title screen (viewed on Oct. 5, 2007). |
| General note | "For release on delivery...October 4, 2007." |
| General note | Paper version available from: U.S. Govt. Accountability Office, 441 G St., NW, Rm. LM, Washington, D.C. 20548. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references. |
| Technical details | Mode of access: Internet. Address as of 10/5/07: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08108t.pdf ; current access available via PURL. |
| GPO item number | 0546-D-01 (online) |
| Govt. docs number | GA 1.5/2:GAO-08-108 T |
| Stock number | GAO (202)512-6000 (voice); (202)512-6061 (Fax); (202)512-2537 (TDD) paper copy |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Resources | ✔ Available |