Biological Health Hazards
Introduction
Biological agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi (mold), other microorganisms and their associated toxins. They have the ability to adversely affect human health in a variety of ways, ranging from relatively mild, allergic reactions to serious medical conditions, even death.
These organisms are widespread in the natural environment; they are found in air, water, soil, plants, and animals. Because many microbes reproduce rapidly and require minimal resources for survival, they are a potential danger in a wide variety of occupational settings.
Anthrax: Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus anthracis.
Avian Flu: Avian influenza is a highly contagious disease of birds which is currently epidemic amongst poultry.
Bloodborne Pathogens: Bloodborne pathogens include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and others.
Botulism: Cases of botulism are usually associated with consumption of preserved foods.
COVID-19: Can cause pneumonia-like illnesses, with signs and symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV): A common virus that is readily spread through contact with saliva and other body fluids from infected individuals.
Ebola: Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) (sometimes called Ebola Virus Disease, or EVD) is the disease caused by infection with an Ebola virus.
Foodborne Disease: Foodborne illnesses are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins, metals, and prions (microscopic protein particles).
Hantavirus: Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans from the dried droppings, urine, or saliva of mice and rats.
Legionnaires' Disease: Legionnaires' disease is a bacterial disease commonly associated with water-based aerosols.
Measles: Measles is a vaccine-preventable but highly contagious and potentially serious bacterial disease that was previously eliminated in the United States.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS): MERS is a potentially fatal, emerging respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus that primarily affects the lungs and breathing passages.
Molds: Molds produce and release millions of spores small enough to be air-, water-, or insect-borne which may have negative effects on human health including allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
Plague: The World Health Organization reports 1,000 to 3,000 cases of plague every year.
Ricin: Ricin is a common toxin and easily produced by bioterrorists.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS): Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness causes by a coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV).
Smallpox: Smallpox is a highly contagious disease unique to humans.
Tularemia: Tularemia is also known as "rabbit fever" or "deer fly fever" and is extremely infectious.
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs): Hemorrhagic fever viruses are among six agents identified as likely to be used as biological weapons.
Zika Virus: Zika virus is most commonly spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes in areas with ongoing viral transmission and from person to person through exposure to infectious blood, body fluids, and materials.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-1. Why are microbes a potential danger in a wide variety of occupational settings?
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