Biosafety Glossary
Biohazardous Materials
Materials that can cause disease in humans or cause significant environmental or agricultural impact.
Biohazardous Waste
Any solid or liquid waste that may present a threat of infection to humans. For more information, refer to the biohazardous waste Fast Facts sheet.
Biological Hazards
Any hazard that is likely from biohazardous materials.
Containment
The objective of containment is to confine biohazards and to reduce the potential exposure of the laboratory worker, persons outside of the laboratory, and the environment to potentially infectious agents.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
A nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and some viruses
Radioactive Waste
Useless radioactive materials that are left after a laboratory/commercial process has been completed
Hazardous Waste
Liquid, solid, or (contained) gas waste that is potentially dangerous or harmful to human health or the environment. Includes anything considered explosive, flammable, toxic, corrosive, oxidizing, irritant, carcinogenic, or otherwise harmful, and is likely to cause injury.
Infectious Agent
See Pathogens
Medical Waste
Solid waste generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals.
Microorganisms
An organism that can be seen only with the aid of a microscope and includes bacteria, protozoans, and certain algae and fungi.
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet
Pathogens
Biological agent that causes disease or illness to its host. Also known as "Infectious Agent". Examples include Brucella abortus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.