Question

Biohazardous infectious materials description

A) Class 1 - High pathogenicity, severe health risk
B) Class 2 - Moderate pathogenicity, limited health risk
C) Class 3 - Low pathogenicity, minimal health risk
D) Class 4 - No pathogenicity, negligible health risk

Answer 1

`BSL-2` is the biosafety level for handling moderate-risk infectious agents commonly found in the community, requiring additional laboratory precautions and equipment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) categorize biohazardous infectious materials into four biological safety levels (BSLs). These levels are determined by factors including the agent's infectivity, ease of transmission, potential disease severity, and the type of work performed with the agent. The description you provided (A to D) does not directly correspond with the BSLs, as the CDC uses
`BSL-1` through
`BSL-4` .

The biosafety level appropriate for research with microbes or infectious agents that pose a moderate risk to laboratory workers and the community, and are typically indigenous, is
`BSL-2` . This level includes additional precautions over
`BSL-1` , such as restricted access to the laboratory, personal protective equipment (PPE) including face shields when needed, and the use of biological safety cabinets to prevent aerosolization of agents.
`BSL-2` facilities are also equipped with self-closing doors, an eyewash station, and an autoclave for sterilization.