Biologic agents

Evaluations of occupational exposure to physical agents such as noise, radiation or heat, biological agents, and multiple chemical agents are similar to the process for single chemical substances but have some key differences. 

In the early years of the chemical industry, use of biological agents centered on fermentation (qv) techniques for the production of food products, eg, vinegar (qv), cheeses (see Milk and milk products), beer (qv), and of simple organic compounds such as acetone (qv), ethanol (qv), and the butyl alcohols (qv). By the middle of the twentieth century, most simple organic chemicals were produced synthetically. Fermentation was used for food products and for more complex substances such as pharmaceuticals (qv) (see also Antibiotics). Moreover, supports were developed to immobilize enzymes for use in industrial processes such as the hydrolysis of starch (qv) (see Enzyme applications). 

Biological agents—molds, spores, dander Contaminated ventilation systems, pets... 

Effects of indoor air pollutants on humans are essentially the same as those described in Chapter 7. However, there can be some additional pollutant exposures in the indoor environment that are not common in the ambient setting. From the listing in Table 23-1, radon exposures indoors present a radiation hazard for the development of lung cancer. Environmental tobacco smoke has been found to cause lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Biological agents such as molds and other toxins may be a more likely exposure hazard indoors than outside. 

Plant or processes or systems of work which minimize generation of, or suppress or contain, the hazardous dust, fume, biological agent etc. and limit the area of contamination in the event of spills and leaks. 

Boleij, J.S.M. et al. (1994J Occupational Hygiene of Chemical and Biological Agents, Elsevier Science Ltd, Amsterdam. Bond, I. (1991) Sources of Ignition - Elammability Characteristics of Chemicals and Products. Butterworth-Hememann, Oxford. 

Leonelli, J., and Althouse, M.L. (eds) (1999) Air Monitoring and Detection of Chemical and Biological Agents, SPIE Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers. 

Cover the control of substances classified as very toxic, toxic, harmful, coiTosive, sensitizing or imtant under the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 1994 (as amended) and to substances which have MELs or OESs. Also other substances that have chronic or delayed effects and biological agents. Special provisions are included for carcinogens. 

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (SUBSTANCES/WASTES) A hazardous material is any substance that causes or may cause adverse affects on the health or safety of employees, the general public, or the environment any biological agent and other disease-causing agent, or a waste or combination of wastes. 

Antagonist Biological agent that reduces the number or disease-producing activities of a pathogen. 

Infections from contact with or exposure to bloodborne pathogens or other biological agents in contaminated soil, waste, dust, bird and animal droppings or transmitted by insect bites or stings... 

Biological agent Any of a range of microorganisms which have an adverse effect on human health, including those genetically modified cell cultures and en-doparasites. 

Limit value A reference figure giving the allowable concentration of a chemical or biological agent in the air. 

Personal sampler A collection device attached to a person that obtains samples of air to be tested for radioactive, chemical, or biological agents. 

Reference period A specified time period allowed for human exposure to a specific concentration of a biological agent or chemical. 

Atmospheric Hazards. Examples are Uie presence of toxic airborne chemical substances and parUculate matter, biological agents, noise, vibration, radiation, extremes of temperature and humidity, and lack of illumination. 

Other elements of weather and outdoor exposure can interact with UV radiation to accelerate degradation in degradable types of plastics. They include humidity, salt spray, wind, industrial pollutants, and atmospheric impurities such as ozone, biological agents, and temperature. The wavelengths that have the most effect on plastics range from 290 to 400 nm (2,900 to 4,000 A). 

Military Biology and Biological Agents. See under Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) Warfare in Vol 2, C171-R... 

Possession, use, and transfer of biological agents and toxins Organisms and vectors... 

Another example is the Canadian government, which has purchased the same technology to run a pilot for an early warning and response system for biological agent threats. Initially limited to Winnipeg, the system s goal is to create a readiness network for front-line health care workers. 

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