biohazardous

Biohazardous refers to biological substances that pose or have the potential to pose a threat to human health, animal life, or the environment. This designation covers infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, as well as materials contaminated by these agents, including clinical specimens, laboratory cultures, used sharps, and certain biological toxins or recombinant DNA products. Materials labeled as biohazardous are typically marked with the universal biohazard symbol and are subject to strict containment, handling, and disposal requirements.

Risk assessment for biohazardous materials considers the agent’s virulence, concentration, and the likelihood of exposure. Institutions manage these risks through biosafety practices and facilities categorized by biosafety levels (BSL-1 to BSL-4), with higher levels enforcing more stringent controls, engineering features, and procedural standards.

Handling and disposal involve training, appropriate containment, and segregation into designated biohazard waste streams. Disposal generally relies on regulated treatment and final disposition by approved providers, commonly through methods such as incineration or validated decontamination, in accordance with local and national regulations.

Regulatory frameworks and guidelines establish the responsibilities of laboratories, healthcare facilities, and organizations that work with biohazardous materials. In the United States, these include OSHA standards and shipping regulations, while international guidance comes from bodies such as the WHO and CDC/NIH, along with local health authorities.