Certain materials and toxins used in research labs across the HSC are considered to be "biohazards".  Any of the following may be considered a biohazard:

• Pathogens and potential pathogens of humans, animals, or plants;
• Materials potentially containing human pathogens (including human blood, tissue, and cell lines; non-human primate blood, tissue, and cell lines);
• Recombinant DNA (and RNA), including creation or use of transgenic plants and animals;
• Select agents and toxins (see http://www.selectagents.gov/) including strains and amounts exempted from the select agent regulations;
• Any material requiring a CDC import license or a USDA permit.*

Before researchers can use any of the materials listed above, they must receive approval by the Texas A&M Institutional Biosafety Committee.  Such research is also closely monitored and is subject to numerous regulations and review processes.

To learn more about biosafety and biohazards, please visit the Texas A&M Univeristy "Biohazards" webpage.

*List taken from the TAMU Biohazards webpage.