D.C. Planning for Bio-terrorism Lab Within City

WASHINGTON -- The D.C. government is partnering with the Federal government to build a level-3 bio-terrorism lab within the city, WTOP Radio has learned.

A level-3 lab can handle such deadly agents as ricin and anthrax.

Level-3 is the second most secure type of facility. There are a handful of level-4 labs around the country, including Ft. Detrick in Frederick.

One of the preferred sites for the lab is the former D.C. General Hospital site near the U.S Capitol, according to a spokesperson for D.C. mayor Tony Williams.

It's unclear if the lab is intended just for emergency readiness, which experts say pose little threat to the community, or if there is a research component.

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