What are the Hazards of Anthrax?

Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. It is generally acquired following contact with anthrax-infected animals or anthrax-contaminated animal products.

It can have devastating effects on cattle, sheep, goats, horses and bison. Laboratory animals, such as guinea pigs, rabbits and mice, are also susceptible to anthrax.  Pigs, dogs and cats are less susceptible. They can be exposed to the bacterium repeatedly before ever becoming infected. Birds and wildlife also appear to be at lower risk for anthrax.

Humans are susceptible to anthrax. However, human cases associated with an animal outbreak are rare if proper precautions are taken when handling and moving affected animals and

carcasses.

There are three types of anthrax that can occur in humans.

  • Cutaneous anthrax, the most common, is acquired through breaks in the skin. It causes black, coal-like skin lesions.
  • Pulmonary anthrax, which is rare, is acquired by inhaling airborne spores. Signs of this form of the disease resemble the common cold and can progress to severe breathing problems and shock.
  • Gastrointestinal tract anthrax is contracted from eating contaminated meat from an animal that died of anthrax. This form of the disease can result in fever, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and other gastrointestinal problems.

Anthrax is receiving heightened attention because of its use as a biological warfare agent.

Suggested Industrial Vacuums for Recovery of Anthrax Powders

PrestiVac HEPAPlus* Vacuums are specifically designed to safely vacuum toxic dusts. Equipped with a Certified Absolute HEPAPlus*filter with an efficiency of 99.995% on 0.2 micron so there is no risk of exposure or contamination for the operator or the environment. These vacuums are tested for absolute filtration. Testing Method: IEST RP-CC034.3. H14. MIL-STD 282 / A.S.T.M. - D2986-91.  MPPS method EN 1822.

PrestiVac cleanroom vacuums are specifically designed to be used in ISO 4 (Class 10) cleanroom/controlled environments for decontamination control. The stainless-steel construction is easy to clean and sterilize. The exhaust air is filtered through a ULPA filtration system with an efficiency of 99.9995% @ 0.12 microns, eliminating the risk of any contamination. Our cleanroom vacuums are grounded and ESD safe so there is no risk of any static build up. Our cleanroom vacuums are also equipped with an electromagnetic (EMI), radio frequency interference (RFI) filter to protect any electronic equipment in the cleanroom.

Which Industries are at Risk with Anthrax?