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Safety and Health Topics |
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| Biological Agents |
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In Focus
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Biological agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, 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 ubiquitous in the natural environment;
they are found in 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.
This page is maintained as a product of the
alliance between OSHA and the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA).
It provides a starting point for technical and regulatory information about some
of the most virulent and prevalent biological agents:
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Anthrax
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium called
Bacillus anthracis. It is generally acquired following contact with anthrax-infected
animals or anthrax-contaminated animal products. Anthrax has received heightened
attention recently because of its use as a biological warfare agent. |
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Avian Flu
Avian influenza is a highly contagious disease of birds which is currently
epidemic amongst poultry in Asia. Despite the uncertainties, poultry experts
agree that immediate culling of infected and exposed birds is the first line of
defense for both the protection of human health and the reduction of further
losses in the agricultural sector. |
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Bioterrorism
The use of microorganisms to cause disease is a growing concern for public health officials and agricultural bodies.
A bioterrorist attack could result in mass deaths of humans, animals, and crops. |
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Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention
OSHA estimates that 5.6 million workers in the health care
industry and related occupations are at risk of occupational exposure to
bloodborne pathogens, including HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus
(HCV), and others. |
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Botulism
Cases of botulism are usually associated with consumption of preserved foods.
However, botulinum toxins are currently among the most common compounds explored
by terrorists for use as biological weapons. |
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Emergency Preparedness - Biological
A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological
substances that can make you sick. Many agents must be inhaled, enter through a
cut in the skin, or be eaten to make you sick. Some biological agents, such as
anthrax, do not cause contagious diseases. Others, like the smallpox virus, can
result in diseases you can catch from other people. |
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Foodborne Disease
Foodborne illnesses are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins, metals, and prions.
Symptoms range from mild gastroenteritis to life-threatening neurologic, hepatic, and renal syndromes. |
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Hantavirus
Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans from the dried droppings, urine, or
saliva of mice and rats. Animal laboratory workers and persons working in
infested buildings are at increased risk to this disease. |
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Legionnaires' Disease
Legionnaires' disease is a bacterial disease commonly associated with water-based aerosols. It is
often the result of poorly maintained air conditioning cooling towers and potable water systems. |
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Molds and Fungi
Molds and fungi 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. |
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Pneumonic Plague
The World Health Organization reports 1,000 to 3,000 cases of plague every year. A bioterrorist release of plague could result in a rapid
spread of the pneumonic form of the disease, which could have devastating consequences. |
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Smallpox
Smallpox is a highly contagious disease unique to humans. It is estimated that no more than
20 percent of the population has any immunity from previous vaccination. |
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Tularemia
Tularemia is also known as "rabbit fever" or "deer fly
fever." Tularemia is extremely infectious. Relatively few bacteria are
required to cause disease, which is why it is an attractive weapon for use in
bioterrorism. |
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Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs)
Hemorrhagic fever viruses are among the six agents identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the most
likely to be used as biological weapons. Many VHFs can cause severe, life-threatening disease with high fatality rates. |
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In Focus |
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News Releases
- GAO-04-239 Report: U.S.
Postal Service - Better Guidance Is Needed to Ensure an Appropriate Response
to Anthrax Contamination. United States Government
Accountability Office (GAO), (2004, September), 1.0 MB PDF,
83 pages. Report to Congressional Requesters. Report Highlights - 75 KB PDF,
1 page.
- OSHA, American Biological Safety Association Form Alliance. OSHA Trade
News Release (2002, September 23), 2 pages. The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration and the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) have
established an alliance to collaborate in their common mission of protecting
health and preventing illness and injury in the workplace from biological hazards.
OSHA Alliances
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American Biological Safety Association (ABSA). OSHA Alliance (2002, September 23),
2 pages. The ABSA Alliance focuses primarily on biological safety
with the association’s members working with OSHA to share technical
information and best practices in the control and mitigate of biological
hazards in the workplace and to identify emerging biological safety issues and
potential methods to address those issues.
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American Biological Safety Association (ABSA). This is ABSA's homepage which
includes information on the Biological Safety Conference and upcoming events.
OSHA eTools
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 Anthrax eTool.
OSHA (2002, December). This interactive eTool discusses anthrax topics such as who
is at risk for anthrax exposure and what to do in case of an anthrax threat.
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Legionnaires' Disease eTool.
OSHA (2003, October). This eTool is designed to assist industrial hygienists in the assessment of
worksites for potential Legionnaires' disease. It provides information on disease recognition, investigation
procedures to identify probable water sources, and control strategies.
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| Revised: 27
September 2004 |
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