Biohazards are biological substances that pose an innate threat to the lives of humans and other living creatures. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed a four-tier system to classify biohazards in lab settings. Pathogens at the CDC’s biohazard level one have the potential to cause mild illnesses. Meanwhile, biohazards at the CDC’s biohazard level four include possibly fatal pathogens and diseases.
Of course, biohazards are not restricted to the confines of labs. After traumatic incidents and accidents, these hazardous, infectious biological materials often manifest in homes and businesses throughout Alameda County. Biohazards arise for several reasons, including but not limited to:
- Unattended deaths
- Suicides
- Accidents
- Homocides and violence
- Rodent infestation
- Infectious disease outbreaks
Biohazard Remediation in Home Gardens
When biohazards present themselves in Home Gardens, prompt action must be taken to ensure that they are safely and effectively eliminated. California has strict regulations governing the cleanup of biohazards. All commercial trauma scene waste management practitioners must register with the state. What’s more, they must comply with the California Health and Safety Code.
The California Health and Safety Code requires all biohazard remediation experts to use personal protective equipment, cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and technologies. This state legislation also ensures that all biohazard remediation technicians undergo appropriate training. Moreover, it ensures that all biohazardous waste is removed, transported, and disposed of appropriately and safely.
Trauma scene cleanup is a massive undertaking. Technicians must take extensive action to protect themselves against the ongoing and present threat of biohazards. They must also work to thoroughly remove any traces of biohazardous material. They must do this is a prompt, discreet manner, with the utmost respect and concern for survivors.
Suicide Cleanup in Home Gardens
While Home Gardens has an impressively low crime rate compared to its Southern California neighbors, it is not exempt from traumatic and sometimes even violent incidents. One of the most heartbreaking and disturbing types of trauma to occur in Home Gardens is suicide.
Studies show that suicide is more likely than murder in the United States. Well over 47,000 individuals take their own lives each year. In 2017, there were 143 suicides within Alameda County.
The families impacted by these tragedies face unprecedented challenges. They are often saddled with the responsibility of cleaning and restoring the scene of their loved one’s suicide, even as they are still processing and grieving the event.
Blood, bodily tissue, and other biological residues are often left behind after a suicide. Not only are these substances deeply disturbing, but they also potential health threats. There is always the risk that they contain dangerous blood-borne pathogens, such as:
- Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Hepatitis C (HCV)
- Human immunodeficiency (HIV)
Biohazard remediation technicians work hard to eliminate hazards from trauma scenes. The first thing that they do is secure the scene to ensure that no one is unknowingly exposed to biohazards. Then, they fulfill a control and elimination plan in conjunction with guidelines set in place OSHA, the CDC, and other health protection agencies.
Unattended Death Cleanup in Home Gardens
An unattended death is yet another unfortunate occurrence that sometimes occurs in Alameda County. According to the Almeda County Sheriff’s Office, all violent, sudden, or unusual deaths that are not attended must be thoroughly investigated. However, the investigators are not responsible for the cleanup and restoration of the death scene. Unfortunately, after several days, weeks, and sometimes even months of decomposition, a body can leave putrid and lasting stains and odors. Not only are these substances deeply upsettings, but they also pose threats to the health of the future occupants of the space.
Fortunately, biohazard remediators have the experience and expertise demanded by these difficult situations. Eco Bear’s team of compassionate biohazard remediation specialists is prepared to preserve the health Home Gardens residents and business owners as they cope with the complications of an unattended death. They do so with the utmost discretion, respect, and compassion for those impacted but these unexpected and traumatizing circumstances.
Rodent Dropping Cleanup in Home Gardens
With nearby San Fransico ranking as the 17th most rat-infested city in California, it is not surprising that Home Gardens residents experience rodent issues of their own. While many homeowners are rightfully focused on the physical damage caused by these unwanted houseguests, it is the health and safety risks that worry about public health agencies most. The Alameda County Vector Control Services District currently monitors the populations of house mice, roof rats, Norway rats, fox squirrels, and ground squirrels.
Rodents are known to directly and indirectly spread a number of diseases, including:
- Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS)
- Salmonella
- Plague
- Rat-Bite Fever
Many of these diseases are contracted through exposure, inhalation, or consumption of rodent dropping residue. For this reason, the CDC recommends that people take extreme precautions when cleaning up rodent-infested areas.
Eco Bear Is Here for You!
If you find yourself in the wake of a traumatic event that requires professional cleanup or biohazard remediation, call us at (818) 358-4359. Eco Bear is a licensed trauma scene waste management practitioner with the experience and expertise required for biohazard cleaning and remediation. As a locally owned and operated business, we take the utmost pride in our ability to serve our Southern California neighbors.