A category A infectious substance is in a form that is capable of causing permanent disability or life-threatening or fatal disease in otherwise healthy humans or animals when exposure to it occurs. Exposure would occur if the substance were released from its protective packaging and a human or animal came into contact with it. Therefore, it is critical that a category A infectious substance does not end up in the hands of an unauthorized individual who may purposely or unknowingly release the substance from its protective packaging and endanger humans or animals.
Being aware of the people that you interact with in the process of packaging and sending category A substances is vital to the safety of the transport and prevention of a health disaster.
An outsider with limited access and system knowledge could constitute a threat, but be aware that insiders could also be a threat (e.g., a disgruntled employee or a person who is angry with their supervisor, job, or government). Anyone desiring to do harm could potentially seize the opportunity to steal a hazardous material.
