6 Common Biohazard Examples

What is a Biohazard? A biohazard is any biological material—including microorganisms, plants, animals, or byproducts—that poses a threat to human or environmental health. Biohazards can be present in everyday settings, from workplaces to medical facilities to schools, and require careful handling to prevent contamination.

  1. Human Blood and Blood Products
    Any items contaminated with human blood or visible blood in body fluids and tissues pose a risk, requiring thorough handling and disposal to prevent infection.
  2. Animal Waste
    Animal carcasses, body parts, and bedding used by infected animals can carry pathogens. Proper disposal and decontamination are essential for safety.
  3. Human Body Fluids
    Fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid, and saliva can transmit infectious agents, necessitating strict biohazard protocols.
  4. Microbiological Waste
    Common in labs, this includes specimen cultures, discarded viruses, and materials used for culture transfer. Microbiological waste poses significant contamination risks if mishandled.
  5. Pathological Waste
    This includes unfixed human tissues, biopsy samples, and anatomical parts from medical procedures. Proper containment and disposal are critical to avoid
    cross-contamination.
  6. Sharps Waste
    Items like needles, scalpels, and glass slides with attached needles are classified as sharps waste. These items are hazardous and must be disposed of in puncture-proof
    containers.

Biohazard Safety Levels

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, biohazards are classified into
four safety levels based on their risk:

  • Biohazard Level 1: Minimal risk, typically non-infectious agents like E. coli and Bacillus
    subtilis.
  • Biohazard Level 2: Moderate risk; includes agents like HIV and hepatitis B that require
    contact precautions.
  • Biohazard Level 3: High risk; includes airborne pathogens such as tuberculosis.
  • Biohazard Level 4: Extreme risk; includes life-threatening agents like Ebola, with no available treatments.

If you encounter a biohazard situation beyond your capacity to handle, it’s vital to contact a
professional.

ServiceMaster BioClean provides 24/7 expert biohazard cleanup services, supported by
decades of experience in safe, compliant biohazard remediation. Our trained technicians are
ready to assist in restoring safety and peace of mind.