In the course of conducting forensic analysis of human skeletal materi
al, anthropologists are exposed to a number of biological and chemical
hazards. This paper reviews the primary concerns in terms of infectio
n or exposure. Handling of human tissue provides an avenue through whi
ch bloodborne pathogens may be transported. Scene recovery also includ
es a set of hazards through exposure to human, animal and soil vectors
. Basic personnel protection and laboratory procedures should be estab
lished for the protection of ail personnel involved in this work.