Final answer:
Broken glass, bacteria, and viruses are examples of biohazards. Biohazards are biological materials that can cause harm to humans or the environment. Infectious diseases caused by these pathogens have been a long-standing health concern.
Step-by-step explanation:
Broken glass, bacteria, and viruses are examples of biohazards. Biohazards are biological materials that could potentially cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment. Examples of biohazards include medical waste like used needles, bacteria grown in a lab that could cause diseases such as tetanus, syphilis, and food poisoning, and viruses such as Hepatitis A virus, Epstein-Barr virus, or HIV-1 that can lead to various health problems. Proper sanitation, including the use of chlorine-based compounds to treat drinking water, and safe handling of foods and beverages can help reduce the risk of being affected by these pathogens.
Infectious diseases, caused by pathogenic organisms like bacteria and viruses, have been a significant health issue throughout history, leading to many deaths, especially in undeveloped countries. Factors such as drug-resistant pathogens and overuse of antibiotics have exacerbated these issues. For instance, while the antibiotic-resistant bacteria MRSA and drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis (TB) represent a grave concern, vaccines are available for some water-borne and foodborne diseases caused by bacteria and viruses.
Vaccination and proper hygiene practices play a critical role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Knowledge about biohazards and infectious diseases not only helps in creating a safer environment but empowers individuals and communities to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.