What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

The Cal/OSHA bloodborne pathogen regulations, 8 CCR 5193, require employees in potentially affected industries to understand the epidemiology, symptoms, and mode of transmission of bloodborne pathogens. To be infected by a bloodborne pathogen, a person's blood must be exposed to contaminated blood or other potentially infectious materials, including many bodily fluids. This can happen by being stuck or cut by a needle or other sharp object that is contaminated by a bloodborne pathogen, or by being bitten by someone who is infected. A person can also be exposed through his or her mucous membranes. Mucous membranes, such as those of the eyelids, nostrils, lips, genitals, and anus, are more porous and absorptive than normal skin. Since these membranes protect organs, they offer a more direct route to the bloodstream, making them an easy path for bloodborne pathogens to travel. Though it is rare for exposure to pathogens through contact with the mucous membranes to result in infection, the risk is still not negligible. Broken skin can also be a risk for infection. The underlying layers of skin offer less protection than the outer layers, so a bloodborne pathogen that comes in contact with a scraped or chapped area of skin has a higher chance of entering the bloodstream, even if that area is not bleeding. However, it is important to note that bloodborne pathogens are NOT spread through sneezing, coughing, kissing, eating, or holding hands.

To learn more about Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens visit our Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Online Training web page.