University of Karabala

Baseet Khaled
3th Stage
Group A

Biological hazard

What is biological hazard? Biological hazards refer to organisms or organic matters produced by
these organisms that are harmful to human health. These include parasites, viruses, bacteria, fungi
and protein. In general, there are three major of routes of entry for these micro-organisms into our
body, i.e. through the respiratory system, transmission through contact with body fluids of the
infected or contact with contaminated objects. The harmful effects posed to human health by these
biological hazards are mainly of three types - infections, allergy and poisoning.

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or harm people, livestock and crops.
A biological attack is when someone discharges germs or other biological materials that
can make you sick. You can either breathe these agents in, eat them to make you sick or
they get into the body through a cut in the skin.

The three basic groups of biological agents that would likely be used as weapons are
bacteria, viruses and toxins. Most biological agents are hard to grow and keep. Many break
down quickly when put in the sun and other environmental factors. Others, such as anthrax
spores, are very long lived.

Biological agents can be spread by spraying them into the air. Another way to spread them
is by infecting animals that carry the disease to humans. Lastly, these agents can be put in
food and water.

Some biological agents, such as anthrax, do not cause contagious diseases. Others, like
the smallpox virus, plague and the Lassa viruses, can result in diseases you can catch from
other people.

In the event of a biological attack, public health officials may not immediately be able to
provide information on what you should do. It will take time to figure out exactly what the
illness is, how it should be treated, and who is in danger. Stay tuned to the TV, radio or
Internet
Examples of biological hazards:
 Mold and Fungi.
 Blood and Body Fluids.
 Airborne pathogens such as the common cold.
 Stinging insects.
 Harmful plants.
 Animal and Bird Droppings

How Do Biological Hazards Enter the Body?

Three ways hazardous substances can be harmful

A hazardous substance can be any substance, natural or artificial, solid, liquid or gas, that can
potentially injure or harm people in and around their workplace or home.

Hazardous substances can enter the body in three ways:

 Inhalation (breathing into lungs)

 Ingestion (swallowing)
 Absorption (contact through eyes, mouth and skin)

How can you protect yourself from biological hazards?

COVER cuts with bandages since these are a vulnerable source of potential infection.
 
THROW out dirty gloves. They can become contaminated with bacteria from handling meat or be torn
during use.
 
STORE your lunch in a safe place is important (away from thawing meats, away from contaminated
areas).

NEVER EAT or DRINK near potentially contaminated areas (such as dirty cookwear, utensils, near
sick patients, etc.)
References :

http://oshc.org.hk/

http://sielearning.tafensw.edu.au

https://www.readync.org/