This document discusses biohazards and pathogen transmission. It defines a biohazard as a pathogen used in or produced by biological research that could harm the environment if released. Pathogens are infectious agents like viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. They are spread through contact with infected bodily fluids or tissues, through airborne droplets, or indirectly through contaminated objects. The document outlines universal precautions like barriers and hygiene to prevent exposure and transmission of pathogens in order to control diseases that can spread and threaten lives.

1. BIOHAZARD TRANSMISSION
KIM ENGLAND

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
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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
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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
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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.