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Safety and Health Topics Botulism In the United States an average of 110 cases of botulism are reported each year. Botulism is a muscle-paralyzing disease caused by a toxin made by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxins are some of the most poisonous substances known. Miniscule quantities are capable of producing disease in humans. Cases of botulism are usually associated with consumption of preserved foods. However, botulinum toxins are currently among the most common compounds explored by terrorists for use as biological weapons. The following questions link to information relevant to botulism in the workplace. What OSHA standards apply? Standards | Preambles to Final Rules | Directives What is botulism; does it pose a significant bioterrorist threat? Bioterrorist Threat Evaluation How would the medical community respond to a botulism outbreak? Evaluation and Investigation | Diagnosis and Treatment How can botulism be controlled or prevented?   What additional information is available? Related Safety and Health Topics Pages  Safety and  Health Topics     Botulism   OSHA Standards   Hazard Recognition   Exposure Evaluation   Control and Prevention   Additional Information   Credits   Content Reviewed 11/15/2006

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