Skip to main content
Our Work

Laboratory Security and Personnel Reliability Assurance Systems for Laboratories Conducting Research on Biological Select Agents and Toxins

Completed

Topics

Dangerous pathogens not only pose severe threats to human, plant, and animal health, but can also be used for ill-intended purposes. Such pathogens are listed as Select Agents and Toxins (SAs). The 2001 anthrax letter attacks prompted the creation of new regulations to increase security for research with dangerous pathogens. Are these measures adequate? This report evaluates the physical security of SA laboratories and the personnel reliability measures designed to ensure the trustworthiness of those with access to SAs. The book offers guiding principles and recommends changes to minimize security risks and facilitate research productivity.

Subscribe to Email from the National Academies
Keep up with all of the activities, publications, and events by subscribing to free updates by email.