ABSTRACT
Biological hazards (biohazards) are substances that are biological in nature and pose a threat to the health of living organisms. Sources of biological hazards include bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, birds, animals, and humans. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) implemented the Blood-Borne Pathogen standard to reduce the potential for occupational illnesses related to biological hazards. This chapter discusses the more common biological illnesses of occupational concern and the means to prevent injuries and illnesses related to them. Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria of the genus Brucella. Preventive measures of brucellosis include avoiding the consumption of unpasteurized milk, cheese, or ice cream while traveling. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. The risk of acquiring leptospirosis can be greatly reduced by not swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine. Plague is an infectious disease of animals and humans caused by a bacterium named Yersinia pestis.
