BIOSSEGURANÇA LABORATORIAL - PROF. ALEXANDRE FUNCK

Summary

This video discusses biosecurity in laboratories, explaining the classification of biological agents into four risk classes based on their potential threat to humans, animals, and the environment. It further delves into the corresponding biosafety levels (NB1 to NB4) of laboratories, ranging from basic containment for low-risk agents to maximum containment for highly dangerous pathogens like Ebola. The video emphasizes the importance of human behavior in maintaining biosafety, stressing the need for proper knowledge and adherence to safety guidelines to minimize risks in laboratory environments.

Takeaways

• 😀 Biosafety in laboratories became a critical issue in the 1970s due to concerns over genetic engineering and its potential risks.
• 😀 Biosafety refers to actions aimed at preventing, reducing, or eliminating risks that could compromise human health, animal welfare, or the environment.
• 😀 Biological agents are classified into four risk classes based on their potential to harm humans, animals, and the environment.
• 😀 Risk Class 1 agents pose minimal risk and are non-pathogenic to healthy individuals, e.g., Lactobacillus spp. and Bacillus spp.
• 😀 Risk Class 2 agents carry moderate risk, with examples like Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp., and require more safety measures.
• 😀 Risk Class 3 agents can cause serious, treatable diseases, e.g., Bacillus anthracis and HIV, and require strict safety protocols.
• 😀 Risk Class 4 agents cause highly severe and potentially fatal diseases with no effective treatments, such as Marburg and Ebola viruses.
• 😀 Laboratories are classified into biosafety levels (NB1, NB2, NB3, NB4) based on the risk class of the biological agents they handle.
• 😀 NB1 laboratories handle Risk Class 1 agents with basic containment measures, such as good laboratory practices and protective equipment.
• 😀 NB4 laboratories, for the most dangerous agents, require the highest level of containment and decontamination protocols, including a double-door autoclave and safety showers.
• 😀 The behavior of laboratory professionals is crucial for biosafety; even with advanced technologies, correct practices are necessary for effective risk management.

Q & A

What is biosafety, and why is it important?

Biosafety refers to actions aimed at preventing, reducing, or eliminating risks associated with biological agents in research, teaching, and other activities. It is important to protect human, animal, and environmental health, ensuring safe practices in laboratories and other settings where biological agents are handled.

When did the first debates about biosafety begin, and why?

The first debates about biosafety began in the 1970s due to concerns about safety in laboratory settings and the potential risks posed by technological advances in genetic engineering. These advances raised questions about the consequences they might have on human health and the environment.

How are biological agents classified in terms of risk?

Biological agents are classified into four risk classes based on the level of risk they pose: Risk Class 1 (low risk), Risk Class 2 (moderate risk), Risk Class 3 (high risk), and Risk Class 4 (severe, untreatable diseases). Each class is associated with specific containment and safety requirements.

What is Risk Class 1, and can you provide examples of agents in this class?

Risk Class 1 includes biological agents that pose low individual and collective risks. They are considered non-pathogenic to healthy people or adult animals. Examples include *Lactobacillus spp.* and *Bacillus spp.*.

What types of biological agents fall under Risk Class 2?

Risk Class 2 biological agents pose moderate individual risks and limited risks to the community. Examples include *Salmonella spp.*, *Shigella spp.*, *Streptococcus spp.*, *Aspergillus flavus*, and *Candida albicans*.

What are the characteristics of Risk Class 3 biological agents?

Risk Class 3 biological agents present high individual risk and moderate risk to the community. These agents can transmit via the respiratory route and cause serious diseases that are typically treatable. Examples include *Bacillus anthracis*, *Clostridium botulinum*, and HIV.

What distinguishes Risk Class 4 biological agents from other classes?

Risk Class 4 agents cause highly severe diseases, often untreatable, with a high potential for spreading in the community and environment. Effective treatments or preventive measures are often unavailable. Examples include Marburg virus and Ebola virus.

How are laboratories classified in terms of biosafety levels?

Laboratories are classified into biosafety levels (NB1, NB2, NB3, and NB4) based on the biological agents they handle. The classification determines the containment measures, safety protocols, and personal protective equipment required for each level.

What are the characteristics and requirements of a Biosafety Level 1 (NB1) laboratory?

Biosafety Level 1 laboratories handle Risk Class 1 agents. They require basic containment measures, including good laboratory practices, protective equipment, and appropriate facility design. These labs have minimal risk and are used for non-pathogenic microorganisms.

What additional precautions are required in a Biosafety Level 4 (NB4) laboratory?

Biosafety Level 4 laboratories handle Risk Class 4 agents and require stringent containment measures. These include sterilizing all materials before removal, using double-door autoclaves, fumigation chambers, and ensuring that lab entry and exit are controlled via safety showers and clean clothing changes.

Why is human behavior crucial to maintaining biosafety in laboratories?

Human behavior plays a vital role in maintaining biosafety, as proper adherence to protocols, correct handling of materials, and the use of safety equipment are essential for reducing risks. Even with advanced technology, effective biosafety relies on the awareness and actions of the professionals involved.