Gilbert, however, compared the likelihood of the lab's creating a virulent pathogenic bacteria to the probability that a meteorite will devastate Cambridge tomorrow.

"The hazards have been grossly exaggerated," Gilbert said, adding that researchers will know whether a strain is dangerous before it can leave the laboratory.

"The E-coli strains we will use are not pathogens. They are very weak strains and they don't live well outside human beings," Gilbert said. "They will be growing under conditions which aren't found outside the laboratory."

"Part of the nature of the problem is that there are very few facts. My interpretation leads me to think that there aren't great dangers," Gilbert said.

Cambridge Hearing

Last night, the Cambridge City Council approved an order calling for a hearing on construction of the recombinant DNA laboratory.

Richard McKinnon, administrative assistant to the mayor, said yesterday the hearing will be held to determine whether the DNA research poses a significant health hazard.

"It is incumbent upon the University to show that the dangers aren't real and that the research is safe," McKinnon said.

The order, drafted by Cambridge Mayor Alfred E. Vellucci, requests that the city manager call a public hearing within two weeks, and that he invite President Bok, Rosovsky, informed biologists and the director of the Cambridge Hospital.