Biological hazards, or biohazards, are a substance that is harmful to humans and can even be harmful to animals. The list of substances that are hazardous goes on and on, an example would be a virus, any toxins, and microorganisms that may carry a threat to humans and animals alike. You may have seen the signs in cartoons and in the movies. This sign is common throughout hospitals, especially on the trash can that holds used hypodermic needles. Factories that use any form of chemicals also have this sign. It is a warning to everyone to take precaution when approaching this said area, letting them know that they are in the presence of something that can potentially be very deadly. This is a sign that you do not want to see or come in much contact with, tattoo lovers on the other hand find it to be a very powerful and cool concept. Down below will be a little history on the biohazard symbol, different design ideas, and placement options for this tattoo.

History

Back in 1966, there was a company called the Dow Chemical Company. This company specialized in chemicals and chemical making. Starting up in Michigan, this company quickly grew to be a multinational manufacturer of chemicals. It is even considered to be the second largest chemical manufacturer in the world next to its merger company, DowDuPoint. Not only does this company create chemicals and plastics, it is a manufacturer of agricultural products as well. When the symbol for hazardous chemicals was thought up, the people of Dow Chemical Company had to figure out a design that was to meet a number of different expectations. The symbol for this warning sign was to be recognizable as its own sign, meaning the design could not look anything like any other ordinary sign. The symbol had to be eye catching, and unique to the point where when you saw it, you would remember what it meant. The design had to not only be unique, but it was to be one that could be easily stenciled and have a perfect balance of symmetry. Artists had drawn 40 different symbols, and out of them all, the one we know today is the one that was chosen. Now this sign can be seen throughout the world, warning others of the hazardous waste that may be nearby.