Toxin, bioagent list expands

The Center for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Feb. 7 approved a new set of regulations regarding the registration, monitoring and purchase of select biological agents and toxins. The new regulations, which apply to Washington State University, expanded the list of substances that must be registered and included hefty fines for those who fail to comply.

“The Office of Grants and Research Development did a survey in the fall of potential biological agents and toxins on campus, but the number of agents has expanded,” said David Clark, research compliance officer for the Office of Research. “Washington State University needs to submit a new registration package by March 12 to the CDC and USDA listing all biological agents and toxins that are being used.”

“It’s important that departments and programs comply, because after March 12, if labs are not registered, they will not be able to procure these chem-icals in the future. In addition, regulations include civil and criminal penalties, with fines ranging up to $250,000 for individuals and up to $500,000 for organizations.”

Any department or program that has or uses any of the substances is asked to contact Clark at 335-1585 or drclark@wsu.edu.

Clark said his office currently is contacting departments and programs at WSU that might be potential users of these substances and sending them copies of the CDC/USDA list which includes more than 82 substances. These materials tend to be used by programs related to veterinary medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, chemistry and psychology.

Although the list is current, it is not comprehensive or static. Additional materials are expected to be added to this menu in the future, and departments and programs are advised to check the Office of Research website at www.research.wsu.edu which will update the list upon CDC/USDA notification. Current lists are available at the CDC website www.cdc.gov/od/sap and the USDA website www.aphis.usda.-gov/vs/ncie/bta.html.

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