What does biological risk assessment evaluate?

• A. Potential exposure routes and health impacts
• B. Laboratory equipment efficiency
• C. Environmental sustainability
• D. Regulatory compliance rates

Answer: (A)

Biological risk assessment is primarily focused on evaluating potential exposure routes and health impacts associated with biological agents. This process involves identifying and assessing the likelihood of exposure to pathogens or toxic biological materials, as well as understanding how these exposures could affect human health.

In conducting a biological risk assessment, professionals analyze various factors such as the nature of the biological agents, the populations at risk, exposure routes (such as inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact), and potential health outcomes. This thorough evaluation is crucial for implementing appropriate safety measures and controls to mitigate the risks associated with handling biologically hazardous materials.

The other choices revolve around different areas. Laboratory equipment efficiency pertains to the functionality and performance of equipment, which is not the focus of biological risk assessment. Environmental sustainability relates to practices that ensure ecological balance and is outside the scope of assessing biological risks. Finally, regulatory compliance rates deal with adherence to laws and regulations, which is a different aspect of managing biological hazards rather than evaluating risks directly.