Biosafety Levels (BSL)

Biosafety Levels (BSL) are a set of safety guidelines that govern how laboratories handle biological materials. They range from BSL-1 to BSL-4, reflecting increasing levels of risk. BSL-1 involves handling agents that pose minimal risk to humans and the environment, like non-pathogenic bacteria. BSL-2 includes moderate-risk agents, requiring additional safety measures. BSL-3 involves serious or lethal agents that can be transmitted through the air, requiring more stringent precautions. BSL-4 is the highest level, dealing with highly dangerous pathogens that pose life-threatening risks and require specialized facilities and procedures. Each level aims to ensure safety for lab workers and the public.