Basics of Biosafety in Biotech Labs

Biological Toxins• Produced by some biological agents• Toxin itself not infectious nor propagating• Affect critical physiological processes• Very low doses cause symptoms• LD50 – dose lethal to 50% of exposed population• Some are environmentally stable• Antidote/ Vaccine may be available• Treat as chemical hazard if biological agent not present• Maintain list of toxins work with in the lab• Post a warning sign when toxin is in use