Study Identifies Key Predictors of Biosafety Incidents Leading to Outbreaks
A comprehensive analysis of over a century of laboratory biosafety incidents has identified key factors that predict the likelihood of disease outbreaks and fatalities. Conducted by researchers at Mahidol University in Bangkok, the study examined 1,126 incidents from 1900 to 2025, finding that operational failures, lab settings, and personnel types significantly influence outbreak risks. The study highlights that failures to inactivate pathogens, leaks involving infectious aerosols, and poor waste handling are major contributors to outbreaks. Additionally, handling animals in labs increases outbreak risks, while antibody testing poses lower risks. The type of lab and personnel involved also affect the likelihood of outbreaks, with clinical and academic labs more prone to incidents than research labs. 
