scholarly journals Procedurally Robust Risk Assessment Framework for Novel Genetically Engineered Organisms and Gene Drives

Author(s):  
Jennifer Kuzma
2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 732-748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen C. Nelson ◽  
David A. Andow ◽  
Michael J. Banker

Societal evaluation of new technologies, specifically nanotechnology and genetically engineered organisms (GEOs), challenges current practices of governance and science. When a governing body is confronted by a technology whose use has potential environmental risks, some form of risk analysis is typically conducted to help decision makers consider the range of possible benefits and harms posed by the technology. Environmental risk assessment (ERA) is a critical component in the governance of nanotechnology and genetically engineered organisms because the uncertainties and complexities surrounding these technologies pose such risk potential. However, GEOs are unique technologies, and there is widespread, international recognition (e.g., the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety of Living Modified Organisms) that many traditional forms of ERA are not well-suited for evaluating them. Nanotechnology products are also likely to need different models of risk assessment, as there is very little information on their fate, transport, and impacts in the environment.


1989 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Kawar ◽  
Richard Sherlock

At the cutting edge of research in biotechnology is the production of special genetically engineered organisms for use in an open, agricultural environment. We argue that the standard approaches to risk assessment and management employed by regulatory agencies are inadequate to the task of properly assessing the advisability of such experiments, as well as the even more significant prospect of widespread commercial use of genetically engineered organisms in agriculture. Given the current lack of sufficient information with which to make competent assessments of the risks involved and the extreme difficulties which are likely to inhibit attempts to gain such information in a timely fashion, we conclude that a compelling case for deliberate release programs has not been made.


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