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Biological agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, other microorganisms and their associated toxins. They have the ability to adversely affect human health in a variety of ways, ranging from relatively mild, allergic reactions to serious medical conditions, even death. These organisms are ubiquitous in the natural environment; they are found in water, soil, plants, and animals. Because many microbes reproduce rapidly and require minimal resources for survival, they are a potential danger in a wide variety of occupational settings.
Examples of biological agents are Anthrax, Avian influenza, Botulism, Foodborne illness, Hantavirus,
Legionnaires' Disease, Molds and Fungi, Pneumonic Plague, SmallpoxSmallpox (also known by the Latin names Variola or Variola vera is a highly contagious disease unique to humans caused by two virus variants called Variola major and Variola minor. major is the more deadly form, with a typical mortality of 20-40 percent o, TularemiaTularemia (also known as "rabbit fever") is a infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis''. The disease is endemic in North America, and parts of Europe and Asia. The primary vectors are ticks and deer flies, but can also be spread, Viral Hemorrhagic Fever s (VHFs).