What type of agents are handled at BSL-1?

BSL-1 (Biosafety Level 1) is designated for work with agents that pose minimal risk to laboratory personnel and the environment. The agents classified at this level are typically non-pathogenic and are not known to cause disease in healthy individuals. This makes the work environment significantly safer, as standard laboratory practices are sufficient to contain these agents without the need for specialized practices or equipment.

In BSL-1 laboratories, the focus is on agents such as certain strains of Escherichia coli or yeast, which are well-characterized and generally regarded as safe for healthy humans. The handling of such agents allows researchers to conduct their studies with a low level of biohazard concern, using standard laboratory techniques without the necessity for extensive training in handling hazardous materials.

In contrast, the other options refer to characteristics of agents that would be associated with higher biosafety levels. Pathogens requiring specialized training or highly infectious viruses are typically associated with BSL-2 or higher, where specific protocols and protective equipment are mandatory. Agents that are easily transmitted also fall into higher biosafety levels due to the increased risk they pose to both laboratory staff and the general public. Thus, BSL-1 specifically accommodates agents that do not typically cause disease in healthy humans,