BIOLOGICAL AGENTS OVERVIEW The use or possession of biological agents, toxins or recombinant materials in laboratories must be registered with EHRS. The use of biological agents, toxins and recombinant DNA in laboratory animals must be approved by EHRS and the Institutional Biosafety Committee. Studies involving the use of biological agents in humans and human gene transfer studies must be approved by the Institutional Biosafety Committee prior to their initiation. If you have questions, contact an EHRS Biosafety Officer.