Biological hazard
Biological Hazard
A biological hazard, or biohazard, is a biological substance that poses a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily humans. This can include medical waste, samples of a microorganism, virus or toxin that can impact human health. It can also include substances harmful to other animals.
Types of Biological Hazards[edit | edit source]
There are several types of biological hazards. These include:
- Bacteria: These are single-celled organisms that can cause diseases such as tuberculosis, salmonella, and anthrax.
- Viruses: These are smaller than bacteria and can cause diseases such as influenza, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19.
- Fungi: These organisms can cause diseases such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and histoplasmosis.
- Parasites: These organisms live on or in a host organism and can cause diseases such as malaria, giardiasis, and toxoplasmosis.
Risk Levels[edit | edit source]
Biological hazards are classified into four levels, from Level 1 (lowest risk) to Level 4 (highest risk). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines for the handling and transportation of these hazards.
Prevention and Control[edit | edit source]
Prevention and control of biological hazards can be achieved through a combination of tactics. These include personal protective equipment (PPE), good personal hygiene, use of vaccines, and proper handling and disposal of waste.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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