Keep Dangerous People Away from Pandemic Pathogens

The op-ed argues that the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP), which regulates access to deadly pathogens, inadequately screens individuals for high-risk personality disorders, leaving potential vulnerabilities for intentional pathogen release. The authors advocate for implementing rigorous psychiatric evaluations to identify and exclude individuals with disorders like antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), which is associated with dangerous behaviors. The so-called "Dark Triad" personality traits, Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy, would be especially worrisome in people working with deadly pathogens. They call on Congress to amend FSAP regulations to proactively safeguard public health by preventing individuals predisposed to harmful actions from working with pandemic-capable agents.