Binary approaches to biological risks

Concerning biological risks, European Union and Governments policies mainly rely on two scientific classifications (2000/54/EC; 2009/41/EC). However, recent health concerns (e.g., avian flu epidemic) and environmental damages (e.g., GMOs) have questioned the limitations of those categorisations, stressing the need for accurate tools to assess and manage biological risks. The aim of this study is to provide an original analysis of the biological risks, beyond the common categorisations, taking into account, by using binary approaches, the biological risks diversity. This research work has non-exhaustively identified ten couples, namely microbiology/macrobiology, natural/provoked risks, naturally pathogen biological agents/genetically modified organisms, indigenous/invasive states, health/environment, primary target/collateral consequences, synthetic/natural biology, exobiology/endobiology, proven/potential risks and assessment/management. This present study will likely be useful to improve the decision-making process regarding the biological risks.