Indian Wells is a charming city located in Riverside County, California. Once a Cahuilla Indian Village, Indian Wells is now a center for luxury and relaxation. It offers many of the hallmarks of a resort town, including four-star hotels, fine dining, and spas. Of course, the areas state of the art golf and tennis facilities are also a major draw.
While this desert oasis is a highly desirable destination, it also experiences several tragedies each year, many of which create biohazards. Biohazards are serious threats to the health and well-being of Indian Well residents. When these dangers are found in area homes and businesses, professional biohazard remediation is often necessary.
What are Biohazards?
Biohazards are biological materials that pose an innate threat to the health and wellness of people, animals, and the environment. In many cases, exposure to biohazards can lead to disease and even death. Common biohazards include:
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Microorganisms
- Biological toxins
When There’s a Need for Professional Biohazard Remediation
There are several circumstances that necessitate professional biohazard remediation, including:
- Accidental death
- Suicide
- Homicide
- Unattended death
- Rodent infestations
- Hoarding
- Homeless encampment
- Meth and Fentanyl labs
Most people do not have the expertise or means to effectively or safely undertake a biohazard cleaning job on their own. The removal of biohazards requires professional protective equipment, sanitizers, and other cleaning technologies.
Rat Dropping Cleanup in Indian Wells
Riverside home and business owners are constantly coping with the presence of unwanted rodents. But chewed food containers and rodent droppings are often the least of their problems. According to county health officials, 10% of the rodent collected in Riverside County have tested positive for hantavirus, a rare virus that can lead to the spread of a severe and potentially deadly respiratory illness.
Riverside County is home to all sorts of rodents, including Aguanga kangaroo rats, northwestern San Diego pocket mice, and San Bernardino kangaroo rats. These species are capable of carrying several diseases, including hantavirus, salmonella, and plague.
Biohazard cleaning businesses specialize in the removal and decontamination of animal waste, including rodent droppings, urine, and nesting materials. Unfortunately, these substances often accumulate in areas with poor ventilation, such as attics, basements, and crawlspaces. Technicians must take extreme precautions to keep the contaminants from becoming airborne.
Unattended Death Cleanup in Indian Wells
Unattended death occurs when a person dies and is not discovered for days, weeks, or even longer. Elderly individuals, who live alone and do not have regular wellness checks, are the most susceptible to this unfortunate phenomenon. However, other common circumstances that lead to unattended deaths include:
- Suicide
- Homicide
- Accident
- Sudden illness
- Disease
- Drug overdose
The scenes of unattended deaths are often gruesome, especially in situations where decomposition has occurred. The pretense of blood, bodily fluids, and other biological materials present unique dangers. Many people are not prepared to handle the sights and smells associated with death and decomposition.
Biohazard remediation professionals are trained to eliminate the harmful substances associated with death. The overall process of unattended death cleanup involves:
Cleaning: Technicians don extensive personal protective equipment while removing biological contaminants from death scenes.
Sanitation: EPA-approved disinfectants are employed to eliminate the presence of dangerous bacteria and diseases.
Deodorization: Commercial-grade deodorizers are employed to eliminate putrid odors associated with decomposition.
Restoration: Cleaners confirm that the property is ready to be released back to its rightful owners.
Suicide Cleanup in Indian Wells
Sadly, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. According to the latest statistics, Riverside County experienced 272 suicides in 2017. These numbers were proportionate to that of California and the nation as a whole.
According to researchers, up to 135 people are affected by a single suicide. Despite the ripple effects of these tragedies, the stigmas associate with suicide often causes survivors to suffer shame and isolation. Fortunately, Riverside’s It’s Up to Us helps residents access the resources they need to cope with an unexpected loss. Meanwhile, Eco Bear’s comprehensive cleaning services enable residents to move past their tragedies without having to experience additional traumas.
Professional death scene cleaners must adhere to OSHA’s bloodborne pathogen standards. They work vigorously to cordon off affected areas before removing dangers. Biohazard cleaning technicians can recognize and eliminate a wide range of hazards. At Eco Bear, we are focused on keeping our employees and clients safe at all times!
The Dangers of Meth and Fentanyl Laboratories
In recent years, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seen a rise in drug trafficking throughout Coachella Valley. One of the drugs making its way up from Mexico is meth. Of course, clandestine fentanyl and meth labs have also been discovered throughout Southern California. These labs contain highly potent chemical concentrates. Accidental inhalation or contact with these illicit drugs can lead to sickness or death.
For this reason, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and OSHA have developed strict operating procedures for all professionals that are exposed to illicit drugs during their work practices. In many cases, law enforcement and property owners must employ crime scene cleaners to eliminate these potentially deadly hazards.
Call the Professionals
Eco Bear is proud to offer its comprehensive biohazard cleaning services to the community of Indian Wells. While tough times present uncertainties, Eco Bear can make things right by restoring your property its original habitable condition. If you need prompt, discreet, and professional biohazard remediation services, give us a call at (818) 358-4359.