What Is Biohazard Waste?

Biohazard waste is known as medical waste by the Environmental Protection Agency and includes such things as urine, blood and needles used for vaccines. Proper disposal and care is necessary to prevent illness.

Identification

• Biohazardous waste is a result of human or animal treatment and contains materials that are considered infectious or potentially dangerous. It is also referred to as biomedical or infectious waste.

Types

• Blood, bodily fluids, pathological waste, contaminated lab work, tissues and organs, used needles and products of animals such as their feces are types of biohazard waste.

Dangers

• Illnesses that can result from exposure to biohazard waste depend on the type of exposure. One example is exposure to blood that is contaminated by HIV.

Disposal

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) oversees the requirements for how biohazard waste is removed, based on location and type of material. Specific information can be found at www.osha.gov.

Considerations

• Proper precautions such as gloves and face masks should be used to protect anyone handling biohazard waste.