What does the term "biohazard" encompass?

The term "biohazard" specifically refers to biological substances that can pose a threat to human health or the environment. This includes a wide range of materials such as infectious agents (like bacteria and viruses), toxins produced by living organisms, and other biological pollutants that can cause disease or adverse health effects in humans, animals, or ecosystems.

Biohazards are typically associated with medical waste, laboratory samples, or any materials that contain pathogens capable of spreading diseases. Proper handling, storage, and disposal of biohazards are critical to prevent potential exposure and outbreaks of infectious diseases.

In contrast, physical hazards pertain to factors that can cause physical injury rather than biological harm, and chemical spills or radioactive materials are categorized under environmental hazards or chemical/physical hazards, but they do not fall under the definition of biohazards. Understanding this distinction is essential for professionals working with hazardous materials to ensure safety and compliance with relevant regulations.