A new limited access facility located in the Environmental Research Center was conceived as a result of the need for laboratories for testing hazardous materials found in the environment. The Genetic Toxicology Division (GTD) research personnel had the expertise and proven test procedures for the type of work, however the proper facility was not available. To accomplish the design of the facility, the GTD used its own experience and expertise for design ideas. Design considerations include room air flow and filtration, hood types, sink design and placement, design of countertops, type of flooring and wall sealent, and traffic flow within the laboratories. These laboratories required the diversity to handle weighing of stock hazardous materials, preparation and handling of aliquots, maintenance of dosed animals as well as sterile conditions required for tissue culture and continuous cell culture methods. All these operations had to be performed in a safe work environment for laboratory personnel.