Bio-defense lab proliferation worrisome

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- The proliferation of U.S. bio-terrorism defense labs may actually be increasing the likelihood of an attack rather than deterring one, some observers contend.

Revelations that the chief suspect in the 2001 anthrax letter terrorism episode was a government scientist who committed suicide has raised alarms that the United States may have actually helped create more terrorism opportunities by spending almost $50 billion for new bio-defense laboratories, The New York Times reported Sunday.

Congressional investigators have warned the vast expansion of bio-defense research labs presents real threats, with more people in more places handling toxic agents and thus creating more chances for an accident or misuse by an insider, the newspaper said.

"We are putting America at more risk, not less risk," said Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., chairman of a U.S. House panel investigating recent safety lapses at bio-labs.

Bush administration officials, however, say they believe the increase in bio-defense spending has brought safety gains to the public.