Which regulation requires the development of a biosafety program for work involving select agents?

• A. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Standards
• B. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Guidelines
• C. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent Regulations
• D. National Institute of Health (NIH) Recommendations

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is based on the fact that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Select Agent Regulations are specifically designed to address the safe handling and use of select agents and toxins, which are microorganisms and substances that pose a significant risk to public health, safety, or agriculture. These regulations mandate the creation of comprehensive biosafety programs that include risk assessment, containment, and security measures tailored for work involving these select agents.

This regulation is crucial in ensuring that institutions working with these high-risk pathogens implement appropriate safety protocols to protect laboratory personnel, the surrounding community, and the environment. Compliance with these regulations helps minimize the potential for accidental release or misuse of these agents.

In contrast, the other options do not have the same specific focus on select agents. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Standards primarily deal with environmental protection and hazardous waste management. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Guidelines emphasize worker safety and health across a variety of industries but do not specifically target select agents. The National Institute of Health (NIH) Recommendations provide guidance for biomedical research but are not as stringent or specific as the CDC regulations regarding biosafety programs for select agents.