Biological hazards

Allergens include a range of biological agents that can cause allergic alveolitis, contact dermatitis and occupational asthma. Occupational diseases associated with biological hazards can be grouped into infectious diseases, respiratory diseases, dermal and skin conditions and cancer. Respiratory diseases associated with exposure to biological agents are divided into allergic and non-allergic conditions. The Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator administers the legislation relating to genetically modified biological materials. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources regulates the importation of biological materials from overseas. It authorises and inspects quarantine-approved premises within Australia in order to prevent the introduction of new biological agents into the country. The number of occupational exposure standards for biological hazards is extremely limited, and all relate to chemical, non-viable constituents such as wood dust, bacterial endotoxin or gaseous emissions rather than living micro-organisms such as a count of viable bacteria or fungi cells.