A History of Biosafety: U.S. Perspective

Over the past thousand years, one can observe a preponderance of evidence demonstrating the emergence and application of safety principles progressing from a crude beginning to the modern era in all human accomplishments. For more than a thousand years, we have seen evidence of the application of safety principles, albeit primitive compared to those of today, for a reasonable approach to accomplish a task. The limited knowledge available in the past, along with a comparative lack of resources, did not deter these early investigators from adapting their thought processes to create solutions to the problems of their day. Notwithstanding their limited knowledge and lack of resources, these early investigators were able to apply their thought processes to reach a goal. Collectively, their practices, experimental results, and findings provided the foundation for the evolution of the disciplines of microbiology, epidemiology, public health, and safety, and eventually biosafety. Many contributions were made in decontamination methodologies and technologies and the use of protective clothing, engineering controls, vaccine development, food preservation, infection control, aseptic practices, and containment. It is wonderful to learn what germs have taught us! This paper provides an overview of historical safety and biosafety events and how they have both influenced and contributed to the development of modern principles and practices.