Dealing with the Dangers

Abstract

Particular concerns regarding synthetic biology work will be presented in this chapter. What hazards are involved and what threats they pose will be discussed. We will also look at methods to assess these hazards in order to prepare for any mishaps they might cause. Assessment of risk will be defined in terms of the impact such hazards would have on human health and the environment, as well as the likelihood of such mishaps happening. We will discuss some means by which risk assessments can be made more reliable, as well as some strategies for minimizing the impact of certain hazards.