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

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

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

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

• Chemical hazard
• Physical hazard
• Ergonomic hazard
• Psychosocial hazard

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  Army trainers teach NHS medics how to put on Ebola safety suits