1. Article X of the Convention is interpreted as authorizing the type of research conducted under the BDRP: The States Parties to this Convention undertake to facilitate, and have the right to participate in, the fullest possible exchange of equipment, materials and scientific and technological information for the use of bacteriological (biological) agents and toxins for peaceful purposes. Parties to the Convention in a position to do so shall also cooperate in contributing individually or together with other States or international organizations to the further development and application of scientific discoveries in the field of bacteriology (biology) for prevention of disease, or for other peaceful purposes. (2) This Convention shall be implemented in a manner designed to avoid hampering the economic or technological development of States Parties to the Convention or international cooperation in the field of peaceful bacteriological (biological) activities, including the international exchange of bacteriological (biological) agents and toxins and equipment for the processing, use or production of bacteriological (biological) agents and toxins for peaceful purposes in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.
2. Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction. Signed at Washington, London and Moscow, April 10,1972. Article I states: Each State Party to this Convention undertakes never in any circumstance to develop, produce, stockpile, or otherwise acquire or retain: (1) Microbial or other biological agents, or toxins whatever their origin or method of production, of types and in quantities that have no justification for prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes; (2) Weapons, equipment or means of delivery designed to use such agents or toxins for hostile purposes or in armed conflict.
3. The U.S. Army Chemical Research Development and Engineering Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland is responsible for the development of physical protection equipment such as masks and protective garments, and for the development of biological agent monitoring systems. The U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground, Dugway, Utah, has the mission of testing physical protection and detection systems.
4. Research and development under the BDRP conforms to regulations and standards of the following agencies: the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, Department of Labor, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Commerce, Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Defense, and the Department of the Army.