All About Biohazards

7/19/2023 (Permalink)

Biohazards are biological materials that can cause threat to human health and the environment. These biohazard materials can be in the form of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. They can also be biological toxins, such as venom or poisons. Biohazards can be as simple as blood or bodily fluids.

The ten examples of biohazards are:

1. Bacteria

Bacteria is on the most common biohazard. Some examples of this are Salmonella, E.coli, and Staphylococcus Auras (mRsa).

2. Viruses

Another common biohazard ranging in illnesses from the common cold to HIV, Ebola and most the most current Covid-19.

3. Fungi

A microorganism that can cause a biohazard. These organisms can cause infections in humans and animals or can cause allergies or asthma.

4. Parasites

These are organisms that live in or on other organisms. Health concerns can be as serious as Malaria, Toxoplasma and Giardia.

5. Biological Toxins

Which are toxins that can be produced in living organisms which can be poison's. This can be in the form of venom, Tetrodotoxins, or botulinum toxin. Based by snakes, spiders, pufferfish, or bugs. 

6. Bloodborne Pathogens

They are microorganisms that can be transmitted through blood or other bodily fluids. Some examples include HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. These are transmitted thru needles or other sharp objects.

7. Prions

Prions are abnormal infection proteins that can cause a group of rare degenerative brain disorders.

8. Biosolids

A nutrient-rich organic material resulting from treatment of sewage. These materials are sometimes used as fertilizer in agriculture.

9. Zoonotic Diseases

These can be transmitted from animals to humans. Some examples of this is Influenza (Bird Flu), West Nile Virus, and Lyme Disease. They are spread from infected animals, or through consumptions of contaminated animal products.

10. Environmental toxins

Chemicals or substances that can be harmful to human health or the environment. These toxins can be found in industrial waste, pesticides, and heavy metals. Some examples are Lead, Mercury, and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB).

SERVPRO has the method to clean all biohazards. It is essential you protect yourself from all exposures in the workplace.