2. WHAT IS A BIOHAZARD?
Typically a pathogen, especially one used in or
produced by biological research.
BIOHAZARD TRANSMISSION
The health risk posed by the possible release of
such a pathogen into the environment.
2
3. WHAT IS A PATHOGEN?
An infectious agent
A microorganism; most commonly known as a
BIOHAZARD TRANSMISSION
“germ”
There are several categories, including:
Fungi
Bacteria
Viruses
Parasites
3
4. WHAT DO PATHOGENS DO?
VIRUSES BACTERIA
BIOHAZARD TRANSMISSION
Cannot reproduce Grow, reproduce, and
take over cells divide in cells
Make copies in those Cause damage
cells Toxins
Cells burst release Growth
viruses
4
5. HOW ARE PATHOGENS SPREAD?
SOMEONE
HAS AN
INFECTION
BIOHAZARD TRANSMISSION
SECOND PATHOGEN
PERSON LEAVES
DEVELOPS INFECTED
INFECTION PERSON
PATHOGEN
REACHES
ANOTHER 5
BODY
6. HOW ARE PATHOGENS SPREAD?
Sufficient amount of pathogen
Suitable environment for growth of pathogen
BIOHAZARD TRANSMISSION
“Mode of Transmission”
Physical contact
Secretions
Excretions
Body fluids
Tissues
Through air
Through food and water
Indirect contact
Vectors 6
Contaminated objects
7. HOW ARE PATHOGENS SPREAD?
BLOODBORNE AIRBORNE
BIOHAZARD TRANSMISSION
Spread through Transmitted through
contaminated droplet nuclei in the air
substances Coughing
Sneezing
Blood
Saliva, vomit, or urine Three types:
containing blood viral, bacterial, and
Semen
fungal
Ex.
Breast Milk
Meningitis, influenza, p
Ex. HIV and Hepatitis B neumonia, tuberculosis
and C 7
8. PREVENTING EXPOSURE
“Universal Precautions”
Treat all blood and potentially infectious materials as
BIOHAZARD TRANSMISSION
though they are infectious
Create a barrier between you and infectious materials
Personal Protective Equipment (if these resources
are available/relevant)
This creates a barrier
Gloves, fluid-resistant apron, safety goggles, face mask,
long-sleeved shirt, long pants, closed-toed shoes
8
9. PREVENTING EXPOSURE
Bloodborne Pathogens
Dispose of contaminated materials appropriately
BIOHAZARD TRANSMISSION
Biohazard bags
Sharps containers
Clean and disinfect all equipment and work surfaces
10% bleach solution for 10 minutes
Airborne Pathogens
Avoid people who are ill
Wash hands often
Use sanitizer if soap and water is unavailable
9
10. PREVENTING TRANSMISSION
BLOODBORNE AIRBORNE
BIOHAZARD TRANSMISSION
Avoid making direct Stay home when sick
contact with uninfected Wash hands regularly
persons Cover coughs and
Avoid making indirect sneezes
contact
Cover any open skin
you may have
10
11. WHY IS PREVENTION IMPORTANT?
Each of our immune systems is a unique and
incredible system made to fight infections and
BIOHAZARD TRANSMISSION
diseases to keep up healthy and safe. Although
catching a cold every now and again isn’t a bad thing,
there are pathogens in this world that have proven to
be fatal. It is important to control such diseases
before they are able to spread and claim lives. The
only way we can control these are to recognize how
we expose ourselves to them, and if we have them,
how we transmit them. Following simple hygiene
rules and avoiding people if we/who are sick are both
important preventative measures in keeping 11
pathogenic populations down.
