What are the local risks?
Accidental biological release
Laboratories are governed by strict regulations to ensure that the staff and general public are protected by biosafety and biosecurity measures. The regulatory bodies routinely inspect these laboratories to ensure that controls are adequately maintained and appropriate for the substance being handled. In addition, the laboratories and the emergency services have plans in place to respond to accidental releases from a laboratory.
Accidental release of biological substances is rare. The most high-profile recent example was a laboratory specimen of the SARS virus in Beijing, Singapore and Tapei where six people were infected, resulting in one death in summer 2004. The source of contamination was quickly identified and the release involved the quarantine and observation of several hundred people to ensure the release was adequately contained.
To learn more about local plans in place to respond to this hazard click here.
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