Final answer:
Used needles present a sharps hazard because they can puncture the skin and may be contaminated with infectious agents. Proper care and sterilization are essential to manage risks associated with sharps hazards. The correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the options provided, b) Used needles presents a sharps hazard. A sharps hazard refers to objects that can puncture or cut skin and potentially introduce infectious material into the body. Used needles may carry biohazards because they could be contaminated with disease-causing organisms like bacteria or viruses. The risk of injuries and infections from sharps hazards is a concern for various individuals, such as drug addicts and healthcare workers like phlebotomists and dentists. Unique care and procedures for sterilization and handling of sharp instruments are essential to manage and prevent potential infections. Clean and empty syringes, although sharp, do not pose the same level of risk as used ones if they have not come into contact with potentially infectious material. Sterile bandages and contaminated food do not pose a sharps hazard.