Work

High-level biocontainment laboratories: risks and necessity for society

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Advancements in the biological sciences have made it possible to manipulate life forms in unprecedented ways.. This activity, like working with pathogenic natural organisms is intrinsically dangerous. For this reason, countries have promoted the building of High Safety and High Containment Laboratories, classified as Biological Safety Levels 3 and 4. In this article I briefly summarize the major features of these laboratories, and exemplify some of the research that they host. I then highlight the possible dangers, and argue for the opportunity of a reduction of possibly dangerous research. I argue for more transparency and openness about activities that imply risks not only for those involved, but for human and environmental health as well.

Source: F1000Research

DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.111073.2

Author: Monica Zoppè

Institutions: University of Milan, National Research Council

Language: English

Topic: Chemical Safety and Risk Management

Subfield: Chemical Health and Safety

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,350