Final answer:
The statement that eating, drinking, and smoking should never take place in a laboratory where potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens exists is true. Maintaining strict hygiene protocols in the lab is essential for personal safety and the safety of others.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eating, drinking, and smoking should never take place in a lab or other area where potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens exist. The statement is true.
Laboratories are environments where safety is paramount due to the presence of hazardous materials, including bloodborne pathogens. These pathogens can cause infections and other health issues, making it critically important to maintain strict hygiene protocols. Consuming food or beverages, or smoking within such environments can lead to the unintentional ingestion or inhalation of these hazardous substances. Furthermore, laboratory glassware should not be used for eating or drinking, as it may be contaminated with chemicals or biological agents.
Pipettes, media, and other laboratory instruments are typically sterile and are to be handled with care to prevent contamination. It is also important to keep all personal items, such as food or drinks, far away from lab surfaces to prevent any cross-contamination and to maintain the integrity of the experiments. In addition to safeguarding one's own health, these practices ensure the safety of others in the laboratory and the purity of the scientific work.