Last year two UWE Bristol academics gave a webinar around the idea of using human genetic material found in the air for specific purposes such as criminal investigation.
Dr Ben Williams, Senior Research Fellow: Air Quality Management Resource Centre, and Dr Francesco Tava, Associate Professor of Philosophy, discussed whether it is possible from a technological perspective as well as should we from an ethical perspective.
Ben provided insights into current technology and its accuracy and safety for collecting such data. Francesco raised the ethical considerations arising from using airborne DNA for specific purposes.
In the webinar, they discuss the practical challenges of collecting and analysing airborne DNA data, including the issue of contamination from various sources, as an exploratory conversation. They also explore the legal implications and limitations of using this approach, as well as the ethical concerns of privacy and consent. The ethical concerns related to the collection and use of airborne DNA include the potential misuse of data, discrimination, and the implications for human rights.
Ben and Francesco also discuss the potential benefits of using airborne DNA for specific purposes, such as criminal investigation, disease detection, and environmental monitoring. They highlight the need for transparency and accountability in the collection and use of airborne DNA data.
The webinar provides an overview of the technical, practical, and ethical potentialities and challenges of using airborne DNA for specific purposes. While there are potential benefits to using this approach, the ethical concerns related to privacy, consent, and potential misuse of data must be addressed. Ben and Francesco emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in the collection and use of airborne DNA data to ensure that the approach is used for the greater good and in a manner that respects human rights.