Biological hazards, or biohazards, contain living organisms that can pose dangers to human health. In the workplace, these can include blood, human waste, pathogens, and more.
Biological hazards are living organisms that may be dangerous to the human body. There are two main types of biohazards:
- Biotoxins are biological substances that are poisonous to humans. Examples include certain plants, venomous animals or insects, and certain types of bacteria.
- Bioagents are usually viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. These can cause chronic diseases or infections in humans.
Human waste, blood, and other bodily fluids may also contain biotoxins or bioagents that can harm human health. If you regularly encounter biological hazards or may be exposed to them at work, it’s important to understand the potential risks.
This article reviews the most common biological hazards at work and what you can do to protect yourself.
Biological vs. chemical and physical hazards
Unlike chemical hazards, which are dangers posed to the human body from chemical-based substances, biological hazards are dangers caused by biotoxins or bioagents. These are all different from physical hazards, which are those that result from force from physical objects.
Also, unlike physical hazards and many types of chemical hazards, biological hazards are so small that you cannot see them with the naked eye.
Contact with human blood isn’t inherently dangerous on its own. However, blood, blood products, and used needles (sharps) can contain bioagents that may transmit disease-causing pathogens.
Health risks
Handling human blood and related products
Risk prevention
Being accidentally stuck with a contaminated needle or being directly exposed via a cut or open part of your skin may cause this biological risk.
Therefore, it’s important to wear gloves and other protective gear whenever you’re in direct contact with human blood, needles, or other products that may have blood on them.
It’s important that any used needles are properly disposed of in designated needle boxes in your workplace.
There are also risks associated with pathogen-containing human and animal waste, such as urine and feces.
Other potentially harmful sources include:
- vomit
- mucus
- saliva
- raw milk
Health risks
The potential health risks associated with exposure to bodily fluids and waste from humans and animals include numerous types of infectious diseases. These can include human-transmitted viruses, such as the coronavirus (which causes COVID-19), influenza, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Another example is the avian flu in farming or meat-processing facilities where you are in regular contact
Risk prevention
You can help reduce your risk of contracting infectious diseases via human and animal products in the workplace by wearing appropriate protective equipment when handling wastes, fluids, and other related biohazards. This can include wearing disposable masks, gloves, and hazmat suits.
It’s also important to wash your hands as often as possible. You may consider talking with a doctor to ensure your immunizations are up to date as well.
If you’re sick, consider staying home until you are well again to help prevent transmitting illnesses to others.
Organic matter is defined as substances that come from living beings or those that were once living.
Organic matter comes in many forms and is present in various related occupations. Among the most common types of organic matter that can pose risks to humans include:
- garbage
- wastewater
- sewage
- contaminated water or soil
- organic dust
Health risks
The health risks associated with organic matter exposure are wide ranging. These can include long-term health effects, such as cancers or organ diseases. Other risks can include behavioral changes and reproductive impairment.
Risk prevention
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial in protecting yourself against organic matter in the workplace. Examples include full hazmat suits and goggles as well as masks, face shields, and gloves.
Mold is a type of fungus that naturally occurs in the outdoor environment. However, mold can quickly become a biohazard when it grows indoors. In this context, mold is considered a biological hazard because it can cause human health problems.
Health risks
Mold is considered an indoor pollutant associated with numerous types of risks to human health. These include:
- wheezing
- coughing
- sore throat
- nasal congestion
- allergies
- worsened asthma symptoms
Risk prevention
It’s important for employers to eradicate mold from workplaces as quickly as possible. As a rule of thumb, a professional should treat any mold contamination and damage that exceeds 10 square feet.
If you’re regularly exposed to moldy environments in construction or restoration workplaces, wear
Certain insects can be considered biological hazards because of their ability to produce biotoxins when biting or stinging humans. Some of the possible culprits include:
- fire ants
- bees
- wasps
- hornets
Non-insect animals that can bite or sting include arachnids such as spiders, ticks, and scorpions as well as other animals, such as snakes.
Health risks
The health risks associated with bites and stings can range from mild skin irritation to an allergic reaction or poisoning from toxic venom. Some bites may even lead to infections.
Risk prevention
If you work in an outdoor environment, it’s important to wear protective clothing and an insect repellent with 20% to 30% DEET (insect repellent) on your skin. This can help prevent common sources of bites and stings.
It’s also important to call a pest control company for help if have pest problems in your workplace. This includes any insect nests, snakes, or other animals that may be unsafe to handle on your own.
When you think of biohazards, you might automatically think of medical facilities. However, a wide range of biological hazards can be present in any workplace.
Bioagents and biotoxins are the two types of biological hazards that can harm the human body.
By being aware of these hazards, you can take steps to protect yourself at your place of work, including avoiding certain situations and wearing PPE whenever possible.