Industry Insights

World BioHazTec has been a leader in biosafety and biosecurity since its inception in 1995. Over the years, we have successfully completed numerous groundbreaking projects and received prestigious awards, showcasing our dedication to excellence and innovation.

background decorative image

“Like Patenting the Sun”: America’s Fight Against Polio and the Power of a Vaccine

In the early 1950s, as the United States relaxed in the post-WWII glow, a terrifying disease threatened to disrupt the safety and peace that families had fought so hard to secure. Polio, a virus that cast a shadow over families for decades, surged to alarming levels, with a peak of 57,879 reported cases in 1952, resulting in 3,145 deaths. This terrifying epidemic, which primarily struck children, shattered the idealized vision of suburban life and posed an existential threat to the very idea of family safety in a modern, scientifically advanced world. A Nation Gripped by Fear For middle-class American families, polio was an unwelcome intrusion into a life they believed they could control. The postwar years had promised safety—victory over the Great Depression, success in World War II, and the newfound comforts of suburban living. But polio, which could paralyze or kill seemingly without reason, introduced a sense of vulnerability and helplessness. The random nature of its spread left families in constant fear. An otherwise healthy child could be struck down in an instant, leaving parents to wonder where they went wrong. The polio virus could take anywhere from six to twenty days to incubate and remained contagious for up to two weeks. Its long incubation period, coupled with the fact that the virus was highly stable in the environment, made it nearly impossible for experts to track how it was spreading. Some believed it was spread through water, leading to public pools and beaches being closed during the summer months. In fact, one book about the epidemic is aptly titled The Summer Plague, emphasizing how the virus seemed to return each year, adding to the dread. The Impact of Polio on Daily Life During the height of the epidemic, life as usual was put on pause. Swimming pools, movie theaters, and even playgrounds were shut down to protect children from the virus. Parents, gripped by the fear that their children could "catch polio" at any given moment, kept them isolated, away from friends, and away from public spaces. Rumors abounded, blaming soft drinks, weather patterns, or even the use of paper money for spreading the disease. Health officials, overwhelmed by the unpredictability of the virus, took extreme measures—such as isolating children suspected of being infected and quarantining them in sanitariums. By the time the polio epidemic reached its peak, fear was ingrained into American life. Each summer, when the virus was most active, the country seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the next wave of infections. Counterintuitive Culprit: Hygiene and Clean Water Polio had existed in obscure forms before the twentieth century, with occasional outbreaks in the 18th and 19th centuries. But it wasn't until the early 1900s that the disease became a widespread epidemic. The clue to its terrifying rise was hidden in something presumably beneficial: improving sanitation and clean water systems. Before the 20th century, the virus was rampant in water supplies. When a very young child was exposed, it would often cause a mild reaction, such as diarrhea, that would lead to lifelong immunity. But as public health efforts improved sanitation and water systems, children no longer had the mild exposure that would naturally build immunity. As a result, polio began to affect older children and young adults who were not immune. With no understanding of the virus’s transmission or how to prevent it, epidemics like the one in 1916, and later ones in the 1940s and 1950s, were disastrous. Polio's victims were disproportionately from the middle class, which struck fear into this emblem of American global superiority. The virus struck at a time when modern society had assumed it had mastered infectious diseases. Polio was the cruel reminder that not even the most advanced systems could protect against everything. The Search for a Vaccine: A Triumph of Science and Collaboration In the midst of this public health crisis, hope emerged in the form of a vaccine. Dr. Jonas Salk, a name now synonymous with polio eradication, developed the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), which would change the course of history. By 1955, the vaccine had been tested and found to be both safe and effective. This was a monumental breakthrough. For Salk, the success of the vaccine was not about personal profit—he famously refused to patent it, saying it would be like “patenting the sun.” The introduction of the vaccine led to a massive public health campaign. Between 1955 and 1962, over 400 million doses of the vaccine were distributed, dramatically reducing cases by 90%. Polio, once the most feared disease in America, began to fade into memory. The collective effort that brought the vaccine to fruition—through the leadership of President Franklin Roosevelt, the work of scientists like Salk, and the bravery of volunteers who tested the vaccine—was a triumph of cooperation and public trust in science. The Cold War Twist: The Sabin Vaccine and Global Cooperation While Salk’s vaccine was taking hold in the U.S., another breakthrough emerged. Dr. Albert Sabin developed an oral polio vaccine, which could be taken in a simple pill rather than requiring an injection. However, by the time Sabin was ready to test his live-virus vaccine in the U.S., many children had already received the Salk vaccine, so he turned to Eastern Europe for testing. In one of the most remarkable stories of Cold War collaboration, Sabin tested his vaccine on millions of children in the Soviet Union, Hungary, and other Eastern European countries, where the results were overwhelmingly positive. The success of the Sabin vaccine in these countries demonstrated the power of international cooperation during a time of immense political tension. Hungary, in particular, became a pioneer in polio vaccination, beginning its nationwide vaccination campaign in 1959—four years before the United States adopted the Sabin vaccine. This global effort to eradicate polio marked a rare moment of unity in an era defined by the ideological divide of the Cold War. A Faint Memory: Polio's Legacy and the Ongoing Struggle By the end of the 20th century, the specter of polio had receded into the background of public consciousness. With vaccination programs and public health campaigns, polio became a disease of the past in many parts of the world. However, the legacy of this disease lives on, not only in the memories of those who lived through the epidemic, but also in the ongoing fight to eradicate it completely. In some ways, polio is now a victim of its own success. Today’s parents, who have never seen the disease’s devastating effects, may take vaccines for granted. But the history of polio serves as a reminder of the power of science, collaboration, and public trust. It also underscores the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of new and evolving health threats.   References Janssen, Volker. (2023). When Polio Triggered Fear and Panic Among Parents in the 1950s. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/news/polio-fear-post-wwii-era Kurlander, Carl. (2020). How the deadly polio epidemic changed American life for decades before a vaccine was found. Retrieved from https://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/syndicated/deadly-polio-epidemic-changed-american-life-decades-vaccine-found/ Lienhard, John H. Polio and Clean Water.  Retrieved from https://engines.egr.uh.edu/episode/1527 Rochford, Rosemary. (2022). A virologist explains polio’s history as fears of a resurgence grow. Retrieved from https://arkansasadvocate.com/2022/09/08/a-virologist-explains-polios-history-as-fears-of-a-resurgence-grow/ Vargha, Dóra. (2018). Polio Across the Iron Curtain: Hungary’s Cold War with an Epidemic. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565345/ Weeks, Linton. (2015). Defeating Polio, The Disease That Paralyzed America. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/npr-history-dept/2015/04/10/398515228/defeating-the-disease-that-paralyzed-america

Read More

5 Key Takeaways from the ISO 35001:2019 Lead Auditor Course

Since its launch in 2019, ISO 35001 has gained significant global interest, particularly among organizations seeking to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity risk management in the workplace. Learning from Dr. Stefan Wagener of Biorisk Management International (BRMI) during this course was both intensive and enriching. Representing our teams across Asia, North America, and Latin America, here are five key takeaways from the course. Enhancing Our Value as Certifiers and Consultants At World BioHazTec, we serve our clients in both certification and consulting roles, though never simultaneously—a critical principle emphasized in this course. As lead auditors, we must assess every clause of ISO 35001, as none can be excluded. With limited time on-site and hundreds of mandatory "shall" requirements, how do we efficiently gather evidence? Learning to think like a lead auditor not only strengthens our audit process but also enhances the quality of our consulting services. A Hands-On, Interactive Learning Experience ISO 35001 sets a high bar, and so does this course—daily individual and group exercises, quizzes and a final exam demand full attention and deep engagement. Fortunately, Stefan Wagener and the team at BRMI ensure the material is far from dry or overly technical. Through interactive exercises, real-world case studies, and engaging discussions, participants gain hands-on experience applying ISO 35001 principles. What made this experience even more valuable was the diverse perspectives in the room. With attendees from around the world—biosafety professionals, biosecurity experts, scientists, and engineers—discussions often revealed different interpretations shaped by cultural and regulatory contexts. This collaborative learning environment made the course dynamic and insightful, while also providing practical strategies for auditing clients from various industries. ISO 35001:2019 Requires Serious Commitment Adopting ISO 35001 is not just a box-checking exercise—it demands a long-term commitment from organizations. Successful implementation requires: ✅ Strong leadership support to drive adoption ✅ Comprehensive training to ensure conformity ✅ Adequate financial resources for a sustainable biorisk management system Without these elements, achieving and maintaining conformity becomes incredibly challenging. However, ISO 35001 incorporates a structured "Plan, Do, Check, Act" approach to biorisk management, ultimately strengthening an organization’s biosafety culture and moves biorisk management to the system level. The Course is Designed for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) ISO 35001 follows a familiar clause-based framework, but its specialized focus on a biorisk management system sets it apart from other ISO standards and requires an upfront knowledge of laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, As our instructor pointed out, it’s easier for a biosafety SME to learn auditing than for an ISO 9001 auditor to transition into ISO 35001 auditing. For biosafety practitioners, this course provides the necessary structure, tools, and knowledge to successfully conduct both internal and external ISO 35001 audits. If you’re already working in biosafety or biosecurity, this training will significantly enhance your auditing capabilities. Before Learning ISO 35001:2019, You Need to Understand ISO 19011 ISO 35001 does not stand alone—it relies heavily on ISO 19011, the global guideline for auditing management systems. ISO 19011 provides the principles, procedures, and competency requirements for auditors across various fields, including quality, environmental, safety, and information security. A solid understanding of ISO 19011 is essential for conducting effective and structured ISO 35001 audits. At World BioHazTec, we have long adhered to these principles as certifiers. Applying ISO 19011’s systematic approach has allowed us to continuously improve our audit processes and enhance our team’s competencies. Final Thoughts The ISO 35001:2019 Lead Auditor Course is an intensive yet high-value training program designed for biosafety and biosecurity professionals looking to deepen their expertise in biorisk management system implementation and auditing. This course goes beyond theory, offering real-world applications of ISO 35001 while fostering global collaboration among industry experts. For those looking to elevate their knowledge of biorisk management systems, this BRMI course is an investment worth making—but be prepared for a challenging, rewarding, and highly engaging experience! Learn more about how World BioHazTec can assist you with your biorisk management system.

Read More

Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence: World BioHazTec’s Journey in Biosafety and Biosecurity

For three decades, World BioHazTec has been at the forefront of biosafety and biosecurity consulting, helping countless organizations meet rigorous standards and create safer laboratory environments. What started as a small, specialized consulting firm has evolved into a global leader known for its innovative solutions, expert guidance, and unwavering commitment to protecting both people and the planet. As we celebrate our 30-year milestone, we’d like to reflect on how we got here and share what’s on the horizon. A Legacy of Expertise and Innovation When World BioHazTec opened its doors 30 years ago, biosafety was still an emerging field. Laboratories and research facilities often grappled with a patchwork of safety guidelines and minimal oversight. Recognizing a need for clear, consistent standards, we set out to develop comprehensive consulting services that would empower organizations to reach the highest level of safety and regulatory compliance. Over time, we’ve embraced technology-driven solutions—from advanced laboratory design tools to sophisticated HVAC diagnostics—that continue to shape the future of biosafety. Guiding the Evolution of Biosafety Standards and Regulations Our influence extends beyond day-to-day consulting projects, as we actively participate in shaping and refining industry guidelines. Over the years, World BioHazTec has consulted on and contributed to the development and review of essential biosafety standards and regulations, such as the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), the National Institutes of Health Design Requirements Manual, ANSI/ASSP Z9.14-2020, and the NIH BSL-3 Laboratory Certification Requirements and Checklist. We have also been involved in reviewing the CEN Workshop Agreement 15793: Laboratory Biorisk Management Standard which has been converted to ISO 35001:2019, as well as advising on the Singapore Standard Biorisk Management and the Singapore Biological Agents and Toxins Act. Our deep familiarity with these regulations—and our hands-on industry experience—ensures that the solutions we provide keep laboratories worldwide at the cutting edge of safety and compliance. Driving Global Impact Over the past 30 years, World BioHazTec has established a strong global presence by addressing operational challenges in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories, utilizing in-country resources, and training local personnel to manage biosafety and preventative maintenance effectively. We’ve expanded our reach by opening offices in Singapore and Latin America, where we’ve delivered impactful results. Highlights include becoming the first Ministry of Health-approved facility certifier for BSL-3 and ABSL-3 laboratories in Singapore, certifying the country’s first BSL-3 laboratory under the Biological Agents and Toxins Act, and consulting on the design and construction of Singapore’s first BSL-4 laboratory. In Latin America, we are currently consulting on the design of a BSL-3/BSL-4 cabinet lab in Chile—the first of its kind in the region—and have delivered significant biosafety training by partnering with the Organization of American States to enhance biosafety practices throughout Latin America. In Brazil, we contributed to the design of the nation’s first BSL-4 laboratory, showcasing our expertise in high-containment facilities. Additionally, we’ve engaged with the biosafety community by attending inaugural conferences in Singapore, Indonesia, Korea, the Philippines, and Malaysia. This extensive experience underscores our capability to collaborate on addressing administrative and engineering control challenges in these regions. Collaborative Approach and Trusted Partnerships One key to our longevity has been building strong relationships with clients and collaborators. Over the last 30 years, we’ve partnered with leading academic institutions, research hospitals, and private corporations, supporting them through complex projects. By listening carefully to each organization’s needs—whether it’s a university seeking a new lab layout or a multinational company aiming to comply with evolving regulations—we tailor our solutions to deliver measurable, sustainable results. Our team of engineers, biosafety professionals, scientists, and project managers works closely with every client to ensure transparency, effective communication, and long-term success. Looking Forward While our journey so far has been remarkable, we know that the future holds even more possibilities for growth and innovation. Emerging infectious diseases, evolving regulatory frameworks, and the expansion of high-containment research facilities underscore the ongoing need for diligent, effective biosafety measures. World BioHazTec is dedicated to staying on the cutting edge of this field, combining our decades of experience with new technologies and best practices to safeguard the well-being of lab personnel, surrounding communities, and the environment. Thank You for 30 Years As we commemorate this special anniversary, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of our story: our dedicated employees, loyal clients, and industry partners. Your trust and collaboration have fueled our passion and helped us grow into the organization we are today. We look forward to continuing this journey together—providing top-tier biosafety and biosecurity consulting, adapting to new challenges, and making the world a safer place for groundbreaking research. Here’s to the next 30 years of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in biosafety. We’re excited to see where this path leads, and we invite you to stay tuned for the next chapter in World BioHazTec’s story. If you have any questions or want to learn more about our services and projects, feel free to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

Read More

Top Picks


IACET Accredited Provider logo

World BioHazTec is an Accredited Provider (AP) of the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). As an IACET Accredited Provider, World BioHazTec offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Information.

Level Up