What Constitutes a BioHazard

7/15/2016 (Permalink)

Biohazard -- You’ve heard the term, you’ve seen the symbol, but do you know what actually constitutes a biohazard? Do you have an understanding of what materials and substances are considered to be biohazards and what measures you can take to prevent the spread of infection? A biological hazard (biohazard) is any organism that constitutes a hazard to other living things, especially humans.

Potential biohazards are commonly found in hospitals and health care settings in the form of blood, body fluids, used syringes, glass culture slides, and other medical waste. These substances, among others, can carry bloodborne pathogens and spread disease from person to person.

It is important to mention that biohazards are not only found in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and medical research labs. The blood that is found at the site of a violent crime or accident, the body fluid that is left after an unattended death -- these are all biohazards that should be handled with the same care and attention as those found in a lab or hospital.