Biohazards

Biohazards are microorganisms or substances that are derived from a living organism that is capable of posing serious treat to human health. This generally includes medical waste products, microorganism samples, toxins and viruses from any biological source. With such real danger, people should properly label biohazard materials with the globally recognized biohazard symbol along with the bold label to provide appropriate caution. Proper disposal measures should be strictly followed in order to prevent possible contamination. Among the most common types of biohazard wastes include specimens derived from medical, research and pathology laboratories, disposable petri and culture dishes, human blood, blood products, body fluids, sharp objects such as needles and scalpels, carcasses and body parts, and even all the wastes that were steam sterilized.

To provide a general guideline for people, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued several levels of biohazard and what it indicates. So instead of merely looking at biohazard signs without truly understanding its health implications, here is a quick guide to help you:

Biohazard Level 1 – this is a warning for the presence of several kinds of bacteria that includes canine hepatitis E and bacillus subtilis, varicella or chicken pox, coli as well as other cell cultures. At this level of precaution, hazardous materials are minimal but are a cause for concern nonetheless and would likely involve facial protections and surgical gloves. Decontamination procedures for this level would be through washing of exposed surfaces using anti-bacterial soaps and use of disinfectants.

Biohazard Level 2 – such symbol would carry possible carriers of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, lyme disease, influenza, salmonella, HIV, and scapie.

Biohazard 3 – Anthrax, mumps, West Nile virus, smallpox, tuberculosis, yellow fever, typhus and even SARS.

Biohazard 4 – dengue fever, Marburg virus, Bolivian fever, Ebola, Hanta virus and other hemorrhagic diseases. Dealing with such waste products at this level should only done wearing a Hazmat suit as well as self-contained oxygen supply.

So what is actually the disposal procedure of biohazards? Proper disposal is contaminants are critically important in preventing possible infection and spread of diseases. Liquid forms of biohazards should be treated with an effective chemical disinfectant and disposed in sanitary sewers as soon as possible. When it comes to disposing biohazards in solid forms, it should be placed in autoclave bags, properly sealed with a clear biohazard symbol and a strip of autoclave tape. This should be submitted for autoclaving and placed in bags along with other regular waste stream.

In order to effectively maintain a healthy and safe environment for the whole community, it is highly important for facilities and laboratories to strictly follow the guidelines for the proper disposal of biohazard materials. Members of the community should also be vigilant in reporting malpractices and irresponsible methods used in order to keep a close eye on the facilities that are not doing their part in proper waste management and disposal practices. At the same time, parents should also educate their children to recognize any biohazard sign and what it means and what to do when exposed to such hazardous waste products. No matter how much we want to protect our children, we cannot possibly keep an eye on their activities every minute of the day. So the best solution would be to equip them with the knowledge to guide them on how to act or respond to certain situations that can put their life of health at risk.

Since biohazards usually carry viruses, one irresponsible act will not only contaminate and infect a single person but can easily trigger a widespread epidemic that can possibly cost the lives of many people.