A review has been conducted of French (Pasteur Institute) and American (NIH and CDC) studies on the stability of the HIV virus. It is a fragile virus that is sensitive to common physical (heat) and chemical (bleach, 0.1% solution, 70% alcohol) agents. Three series of studies involving 400 to 500 healthcare professionals have shown that the risk of infection is less than 1%, whereas for hepatitis B, it is 12% among exposed personnel (parental and cutaneous-mucosal routes). Basic hygiene measures are recommended during handling.