What is it like working with the most dangerous pathogens in
the world?
That’s what Goats and Soda on NPR investigated this week.
They interviewed Emmie de Witt, a Dutch scientist working at Rocky Mountain
Laboratories in Montana. There are only
13 operational (or being constructed) BSL-4 labs in the US, so Emmie offers a
pretty rare perspective on “dangerous and exotic” microbes.
Some of the pathogens discussed include MERS, Ebola, Nipah
virus, and various types of flu (even the 1918 massively fatal strain!). Luckily,
Emmie also talks about the safety precautions mandatory at all BSL-4 labs- such
as non-circulating air ducts in corridors, positive-pressure protective safety
suits (you have to talk via built-in radio to other scientists in the lab),
showering protocols once you leave the lab, and even what type of underwear
scientists have to wear…
Emmie also addresses what everyone wonders about in these
types of labs- are you afraid that you might be infected and die? Fortunately,
scientists generally feel safe as long as they are following safety protocols. Of
course, unexpected events can happen in labs, but Emmie says that there’s a
certain mindset that helps to stick to procedures and SOPs to help prevent any
mistakes.
Despite the risks of working in a BSL-4 lab (and it’s
downsides: uncomfortable blow-up suits, you can’t go to the bathroom or drink
water once you get into the suit), Emmie still says she really likes her job.
And I can totally understand why- investigating new effects of incredibly
deadly viruses seems like one of the most interesting jobs around.
-Katy Graham
Sources:
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