BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS

Living organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mammal and bird antigens that can cause harmful health effects to humans. Foods and beverages of any sort, all have the potential of being polluted by biological contaminants. Without consistent washing and cooking in a thorough manner, then the likelihood of this occurring only increases. This is important due to the health effects that are caused by biological contaminants are diseases and illnesses that require medical attention. Biological contaminants make their way into the human body through various pathways such as ingestion, inhaling, or absorption. However, the majority of microorganisms are inhaled. As they enter the body, these contaminants work rapidly through multiplying and spreading themselves onto others nearby the already affected person. Some biological contaminants are capable of surviving long periods of time when already residing in suitable breeding grounds, such as food, beverages, or water. However, without these protected hosts, these organisms will die out very quickly. Here are some of the ways that biological contaminants are transmitted:

• Air transmission that enters humans when inhaled
• Injected through intention or unintentional means, such as by a needle
• An insect that transmits these organisms from an infected to a healthy person
• Physical contact between a sick and non-sick person
• Human body mechanisms such as sneezing or coughing that makes contact onto another person
• Tools such as cooking utensils that are indirectly exposed to others