The use of living organisms (or parts of organisms) to make or modify products, to improve plants or animals, or to develop microorganisms for specific uses forms the basis of biotechnology. The tremendous potential of diis technology encompasses the culturing of microorganisms for toxic chemical degradation and production of foods and pharmaceuticals; die creation of rapid, sensitive diagnositic medical tools; and safe, effective control of agricultural pests. The promise offered by such developments is evidenced by the growth of the biotechnology industry. The industry is said to be 'still inventing itself', as it has grown from under 100 companies in 1970 to over 1,000 companies today. Goals of the Risk Assessment Research Program: To provide the Agency with the scientific tools to: Allow beneficial uses of the technologies to move forward in a safe manner. Accurately assess the risk of biotechnology products. Successfully control the use of products where warranted. 'Given the growing societal focus on environmental issues and increased awareness of environmental threats, the potential contributions of environmental biotechnology may be far greater than were earlier anticipated.'

Cover title. Shipping list no.: 94-0169-P. "January 1994." "EPA/600-K-93-007."