Risk Group Classification

Risk Group Classification is a system used to categorize biological agents, like viruses or bacteria, based on the level of risk they pose to human health. These classifications range from Risk Group 1, representing agents that are unlikely to cause disease, to Risk Group 4, which includes highly dangerous pathogens that can cause severe disease and for which effective treatment is often unavailable. This classification helps guide safety practices in labs, informs public health policies, and ensures appropriate precautions are taken to protect people and the environment from potential exposure.