Infectious aerosols are dispersions of airborne liquid
or solid particles capable of causing infection. Occupational exposures
to airborne microbial agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi can
cause illness in workers in a variety of settings, including health care,
poultry farming, construction, and emergency response. This page contains
resources to aid workers and employers in reducing exposures to infectious
aerosols.
NIOSHTIC-2 Search
NIOSHTIC-2
search results on Infectious Aerosols
NIOSHTIC-2 is a searchable bibliographic database of occupational safety and health publications, documents, grant reports, and journal articles supported in whole or in part by the NIOSH.
NIOSH Publications
Histoplasmosis — Protecting Workers
at Risk
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2005-109 (2004)
The
updated information in this revised booklet will aid in understanding
what histoplasmosis is and recognize activities that may expose workers
to the disease-causing fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. The booklet also
informs readers about methods they can use to protect themselves and
others from exposure.
Interim Recommendations for
the Selection and Use of Protective Clothing and Respirators Against
Biological Agents
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2002-109 (2001)
Contains recommendations for personal protective equipment use in given exposure
conditions based on current understanding at the time of publication.
Related NIOSH Safety and Health Topics
Aerosols
Provides links to a variety of information regarding the measurement,
control, exposure characterization and health effects associated with
aerosols in the workplace.
Avian Influenza
Provides overview information and comprehensive workplace resources about
avian influenza.
Eye Protection for Infection Control
Provides information on types of eye protection for a variety of exposure
settings where workers may be at risk of acquiring infectious diseases
via ocular exposure.
Understanding
Respiratory Protection Against SARS
Provides information on personal protective equipment and techniques to prevent
exposure to SARS, and the spread of contaminated materials.
Other Government Resources
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) (CDC)
External Link: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/
The CDC webpage on avian influenza provides background information about avian influenza, including recent outbreaks, the viruses, and the risk to human health including professional guidance for infection control in health care facilities.
Avian Influenza, Protecting
Poultry Workers at Risk (OSHA)
External Link: http://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib121304.html
 PDF
only 47 KB (8 pages)
This Safety and Health Information Bulletin describes
measures for protecting poultry workers when an avian influenza outbreak
occurs. It presents basic information about avian influenza and describes
measures for minimizing exposure to the virus.
Guidance for Protecting Workers Against Avian Flu (OSHA)
External Link: http://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/avian-flu.html
Avian influenza is a highly contagious disease of birds which is currently epidemic amongst poultry in Asia. Despite the uncertainties, poultry experts agree that immediate culling of infected and exposed birds is the first line of defense for both the protection of human health and the reduction of further losses in the agricultural sector.
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