Hazardous Substances in Urine & Feces: Components, Pathogens & Risks

Urine Components (Generally Non-Hazardous)

• Urea (breaks down to ammonia, a hazardous gas)
• Creatinine, Uric acid, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfate, Phosphate

Fecal Hazards

Pathogenic Bacteria

• E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium difficile (C. diff)

Viruses

• Norovirus, Rotavirus, Hepatitis A & E

Parasites

• Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba histolytica

Toxins

• Ammonia, Hydrogen sulfide, Methane, Indole, Skatole

Hazards on Soiled Surfaces

• Pathogens: Disease-causing microorganisms transmissible via contact.
• Toxins: Poisonous substances absorbable through skin or ingestion.
• Chemicals: Harmful if absorbed or ingested.
• Radioactive Materials: Possible in specific medical/occupational contexts.

Critical: Prompt cleaning and disinfection of soiled surfaces prevents infection and disease transmission.