Which category includes materials contaminated with pathogens requiring autoclaving or incineration?

• A. DDT
• B. Infectious/biohazardous waste
• C. Cancer cluster
• D. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Answer: (B)

Materials contaminated with pathogens are classified as infectious or biohazardous waste because they can spread disease if not handled safely. This category is defined by the presence of materials that may carry infectious agents, so the standard disposal approach is to render them non-infectious before final disposal. Autoclaving uses pressurized steam to sterilize the waste, effectively killing microorganisms, while incineration burns the waste at high temperatures to destroy pathogens. These treatment methods are mandated to protect healthcare workers, patients, and the public, and they align with infection control and waste management regulations. The other options don’t describe a waste category: DDT is a pesticide chemical, a cancer cluster refers to an epidemiological observation, and the CDC is the public health agency that oversees disease prevention, not a waste category.