In a laboratory, what is the primary risk associated with mouth pipetting?

The primary risk associated with mouth pipetting is acquiring infectious agents. This practice involves drawing liquids into a pipette using the mouth, which poses a significant health hazard. If the liquid contains pathogens or infectious materials, there is a direct risk of inhaling or ingesting these harmful agents, potentially leading to serious health consequences.

Using mouth pipetting exposes the individual to hazardous biological agents that could cause infections, especially if the laboratory deals with pathogens, bacteria, or any form of infectious materials. In contrast, using mechanical pipetting devices can effectively mitigate this risk by preventing any direct contact between the mouth and the potentially dangerous substances.

While spills onto the work surface, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and contamination of samples are valid concerns in laboratory settings, they do not carry the same immediate risk of serious health issues associated with infectious agents. The emphasis on avoiding mouth pipetting highlights the importance of safety practices in minimizing risks, particularly those related to biological safety in laboratory environments.