FUENTES ENVIRONMENTAL AZ AND BIOHAZARD

A biohazard (biological hazard) refers to any biological substance that poses a threat to human health, animals, or the environment. This includes microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, as well as biological toxins and medical waste.

Categories of Biohazards

Biohazards are classified into four levels based on the severity of the risk they pose:

• Level 1 – Low risk (e.g., E. coli, non-infectious bacteria)
• Level 2 – Moderate risk (e.g., Influenza, HIV, Lyme disease bacteria)
• Level 3 – High risk, airborne or severe diseases (e.g., Tuberculosis, COVID-19, West Nile virus)
• Level 4 – Extreme risk, often fatal and lacking treatment (e.g., Ebola, Marburg virus)

Common Sources of Biohazards

• Medical waste (used needles, contaminated blood, lab samples)
• Pathogens in water, food, or air
• Toxins produced by bacteria or fungi
• Infected animals or humans

Handling and Disposal

Biohazardous materials require special handling, including protective equipment (PPE), containment protocols, and proper disposal methods like incineration or chemical disinfection to prevent contamination and disease spread.