Topics in biological hazard

A biological hazard, or biohazard, is a biological substance that poses a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily humans. This could include a sample of a microorganism, virus or toxin that can adversely affect human health. A biohazard could also be a substance harmful to other living beings. The term and its associated symbol are generally used as a warning, so that those potentially exposed to the substances will know to take precautions. The biohazard symbol was developed in 1966 by Charles Baldwin, an environmental-health engineer working for the Dow Chemical Company on their containment products. It is used in the labeling of biological materials that carry a significant health risk, including viral samples and used hypodermic needles. In Unicode, the biohazard symbol is U+2623 (☣). Biohazardous safety issues are identified with specified labels, signs and paragraphs established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Today, ANSI Z535 standards for biohazards are used worldwide and should always be used appropriately within ANSI Z535 Hazardous Communications (HazCom) signage, labeling and paragraphs. The goal is to help workers rapidly identify the severity of a biohazard from a distance and through colour and design standardization. Biological hazard symbol design: A red on white or white-coloured background is used behind a black biohazard symbol when integrated with a DANGER sign, label or paragraph. An orange on black or white-coloured background is used behind a black biohazard symbol when integrated with a WARNING sign, label or paragraph. A yellow on black or white-coloured background is used behind a black biohazard symbol when integrated with a CAUTION sign, label or paragraph. A green on white or white-coloured background is used behind a black biohazard symbol when integrated with a NOTICE sign, label or paragraph. DANGER is used to identify a biohazard that will cause death. WARNING is used to identify a biohazard that may cause death.