Biological Hazards and Toxicology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to biological hazards, toxicology, risk assessment, and safety measures as discussed in the lecture.

Biological Hazards

Substances that come from living organisms and pose a threat to human health.

Pathogenic microorganisms

Microorganisms that can cause disease, such as bacteria and viruses.

Vectors

Organisms that transmit disease, like mosquitoes and ticks.

Biosafety Levels (BSL)

Classification system for laboratories based on the types of organisms handled and the risk they pose.

Needlestick injuries

Accidental punctures from needles or sharp instruments that can transmit bloodborne pathogens.

FAT TOM

An acronym for conditions that affect the growth of pathogens: Food, Acidity, Time, Temperature, Oxygen, Moisture.

HACCP

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, a systematic preventive approach to food safety.

Mycotoxins

Toxins produced by fungi that can contaminate food and cause illness.

Polarity

A physical-chemical property that influences the solubility of a substance in water.

Bioaccumulation

The gradual build-up of a substance in an organism over time.

Volatility

The tendency of a substance to vaporize; high volatility means it easily becomes airborne.

Dose-Response Relationship

Describes how biological response changes with increasing dose of a substance.

Carcinogenesis

The process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells.

Acute exposure

A single, high-level exposure to a substance.

Chronic exposure

Long-term, low-level repeated exposure to a substance.

Risk Assessment

A scientific process estimating the magnitude of harm caused by a hazard.

Precautionary Principle

When in doubt, act cautiously to prevent potential harm to health or the environment.

Ebola virus

A highly contagious virus that causes severe diseases with a high risk of transmission.