The fourth edition of Biological Safety: Principles and Practices continues the format of the previous edition, focusing closely on infectious and toxic biological agents and their identification and control. Several major events have had an impact on the fields of biosafety and biosecurity since the publication of the third edition, notably the anthrax mailings of 2001 and the promulgation regulations for select agents. This newest edition examines significant developments throughout the field and discusses current regulations including those handed down from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Written by authorities with decades of experience in the field, the book is divided into five main sections that comprehensively cover the identification, assessment, and management of biological hazards. Chapters outline the human, animal, and agricultural considerations of a wide range of specific biohazards, from pathogenic organisms, viruses, prions, and cell cultures, to toxins and allergens. Numerous chapters detail practical systems for biohazard control. A brand-new chapter details critical safety considerations in a maximum containment (BSL 4) laboratory. Appropriate updates have been made to chapters carried over from the third edition, and a host of new contributors offer fresh perspectives on topic such as packaging and shipping of biological materials.

This book presents the essentials for a comprehensive biological safety program in venues ranging from the basic research laboratory to agricultural, pharmaceutical, educational, and commercial laboratories. Biological safety: Principles and Practices, 4th Edition, is an indispensable resource for those involved in biological safety, including program managers, biological safety professionals, members of biohazard review committees, principles investigators, administrators, and students.