What is the highest level of biosafety, BSL-4, designed for?

The highest level of biosafety, known as BSL-4, is specifically designed for work with agents that pose a high risk of life-threatening diseases. This level of containment is necessary because BSL-4 pathogens are typically associated with severe or fatal illnesses in humans and may be transmitted through aerosolized particles or require strict containment procedures due to their dangerous nature.

BSL-4 facilities include special engineering features such as sealed environments, highly controlled access, and thorough decontamination protocols to protect both the laboratory workers and the surrounding community from exposure to these highly pathogenic organisms. The stringent requirements at this biosafety level reflect the critical need to prevent any risk of infection from these organisms, which may not have available treatments or vaccines, underscoring the importance of specialized safety protocols and equipment.