Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

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Which of the following represents a biological hazard?

  1. Flammable material

  2. Corrosive substance

  3. Biohazardous waste

  4. Oxidizing agent

The correct answer is: Biohazardous waste

Biological hazards refer specifically to risks posed by biological substances that can harm the health of humans or the environment. Biohazardous waste is any waste that is contaminated with potentially infectious materials, including bodily fluids, contaminated laboratory specimens, or any material that has come in contact with pathogens. This type of waste requires special handling and disposal procedures to prevent exposure and spread of harmful microorganisms. The other options highlight different types of hazards. For example, flammable materials pose a fire hazard, while corrosive substances can cause severe damage to living tissue or materials upon contact. Oxidizing agents typically increase the risk of combustion. While these are valid concerns in a laboratory or industrial setting, they do not fit the classification of biological hazards like biohazardous waste does. Therefore, the selection of biohazardous waste as the representation of a biological hazard is accurate within the context of understanding biological risks.