Biosafety Research (Русский)

There is a paucity of scientific data supporting technical containment criteria for containment laboratories responding to emerging infectious diseases and bioterrorism events. Some high cost criteria (eg. effluent treatment, HVAC backflow prevention) are derived from 1950's research. With new technology and innovation, alternative cost-effective solutions are likely available. Other criteria (HVAC control sensitivity) have also been scientifically challenged as not effecting a significant enhancement for public/animal health.

Criteria for containment level 3 laboratories vary depending on the risk assessment of the agents and activities being carried out in the facility. In some cases a lack of scientific data supporting containment criteria may lead to decisions to incorporate enhanced containment measures as a precautionary measure.

Biosafety Guidelines

Biosafety Guidelines

The construction of cost-effective containment facilities is essential for countries and regions for developing networks of laboratories to respond to incidents of disease outbreaks and bioterrorism. Biocontainment research leading to cost-effective solutions is urgently needed to fill the existing gaps in containment knowledge. Such research will also generate scientifically sound containment measures that can be incorporated into evidence-based national biosafety guidelines. In this way, the real risks of biohazards can be mitigated instead of perceived risks of the spread of pathogens from containment facilities.

Harmonization of National Biosafety Guidelines

The International Biosafety Working Group supports applied biosafety and biocontainment research leading to a harmonization of national and international guidelines.

Examples of such research include:

Construction Material Compatibiltiy

HVAC Design

Cross-Contamination