Though anthrax hasn’t made media headlines since the 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States, it’s still a concern for employers and workers. Since the weeks-long anthrax attacks in 2001 where five people were killed and another 17 injured, there have been six additional cases of anthrax reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demonstrating a threat still exists.
Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the Bacillus anthracis (BA), a spore-forming bacterium. Anthrax is an occupational hazard most common in animal handling and related occupations due to its germination in wild and domestic animals (cattle, goats, antelope, and other herbivores). Humans are infected with anthrax when exposed to infected animals, animal tissues, or undercooked meat from infected animals. There is also the potential for accidental or intentional release of anthrax during research operations, increasing the risk of occupational exposure.
Although rare in the United States, anthrax has been reported in nearly every state. More frequently, animal infections have been found in Texas, California, Nevada, Montana, the Dakotas, and Minnesota.
Anthrax outbreaks are rare, and infection is not known to spread from one person to another. However, due to the potential for anthrax to be used as a bioterrorist weapons, workers whose jobs would not ordinarily involve anthrax exposure could be exposed. Package delivery or postal workers are especially at risk.
Emergency responders, including police, firefighters, emergency medical services workers, environmental cleanup workers, and others who are responsible for responding to acts of terrorism also may be exposed to anthrax. Health care workers in occupational settings such as hospitals, clinics, and medical laboratories may also be exposed to anthrax due to contact with patients whose skin, clothing, or personal effects are contaminated with anthrax spores, or through contact with contaminated equipment.
Employers whose workers will be involved in emergency response operations for releases of, or substantial threats of releases of, hazardous substances (including anthrax) regardless of the location of the hazard must comply with OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response standard (1910.120). States are required to adopt standards at least as effective as OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operation and Emergency Response standard.
OSHA doesn’t have an infectious diseases standard that applies to anthrax. However, some OSHA standards, such as the Respiratory Protection standard, may apply to workers with potential exposure to anthrax (and other diseases spread through inhalation exposure) and for exposure to chemicals used for cleaning and disinfection.