BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL HAZARDS OF FORENSIC SKELETAL ANALYSIS

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.