danger in the streets: exposure to bloodborne pathogens after community sharp injuries in Rio de Janeiro

Exposure to sharp injuriesoccurring iin the community are relatively frequent. We describe characteristics of community sharp exposures reported in the city of Rio de Janeiro from 1997 to 2010. Sharp injuries occurring in the community are an important helath problem. a great portion would be avoided if practising on how to dispose needles and sharps used outside helath units where implemented.