What do biosafety regulations aim to protect?

• A. The environment and wildlife
• B. Laboratory staff and public health
• C. Research funding and grants
• D. Intellectual property and data security

Answer: (B)

Biosafety regulations are primarily designed to protect laboratory staff and public health from the potential risks associated with handling biological materials. This includes preventing the accidental release of pathogens into the environment that could lead to outbreaks or spread of infectious diseases. By establishing protocols for safe practices in laboratories, these regulations ensure that individuals working with hazardous biological agents are safeguarded against exposure risks and that the integrity of public health is maintained.

The focus on laboratory safety reflects the need to minimize health risks while conducting research and experimentation involving potentially dangerous microbes. Overall, the emphasis is on maintaining safe environments for both personnel and the broader community, thereby preventing harm that could arise from lapses in safety protocols.