WHAT IS A SHARP?

A sharp is an object or device with a sharp edge, a hard corner, a point or a protruding part. Common sharps include needles, syringes, lancets, scalpels, broken glass or other blades.

WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED?

A sharp can cause an injury, illness, or infection if it punctures, cuts, or scratches the skin. If a sharp is contaminated with bodily fluids, microbiological or radioactive substances, or chemicals, a serious or fatal infection can result. Blood-contaminated sharps can spread viruses such as those causing Hepatitis B, C, and HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).

WHO IS AT RISK?

Some occupations—such as […]