Which type of lab typically handles biohazards with high fatality rates?

The correct choice is associated with laboratories that work with biosafety level 3 (BS-3) agents, which are pathogens that can cause serious or potentially lethal diseases through inhalation. These labs are equipped with specific safety features and protocols designed to contain these microorganisms, such as enhanced ventilation systems and the requirement for personnel to wear protective clothing, including masks or respirators.

BS-3 labs handle pathogens that can be spread via aerosols, requiring more stringent controls compared to biosafety level 1 and level 2 labs, which deal with less virulent organisms. While BS-4 labs handle the most dangerous and exotic pathogens that pose a high individual risk of aerosol-transmitted laboratory infections and have no available treatment, BS-3 is still crucial as it accommodates infectious agents with high fatality rates but may rely on existing treatments or vaccines. Therefore, they play a significant role in research and public health, focusing on human pathogens that necessitate enhanced containment measures to ensure the safety of lab personnel and the surrounding community.