What is Biohazard?
A biological hazard, or biohazard, is a biological substance that poses a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily humans. This could include a sample of a microorganism, virus or toxin that can affect human health. A biohazard could also be a substance harmful to other animals.
Types of Biohazard
Flooding or water damage
Septic system backup & overflows
Mold & mildew infestation
Crime scene injuries & fatalities
Homicides & suicides
Unattended deaths
Accidents & injuries
Hazardous material spillage (solvents, paints, pesticides, chemicals, etc.)
Hoarding
With that info you can see that Biohazardous materials are more than just a messy situation!
Exposure to Biohazardous materials can be dangerous for you, your family, and your
collogues. Depending on where the damage occurred there are methods to get your property back up and running whether that be your household or your place of work. Time is always of the essence when dealing with Hazardous materials.
It is important to properly decontaminate the space before normal activities resume.
Learn more about how Baxter Restoration can help with Biohazard Cleanup!
Mold is the most common Biohazardous material.
Mold is highly toxic and harmful to everyone who is exposed to it. It is important that professionals are contacted to start the remediation process immediately as you discover the issue. Blood, crime scene debris, and meth labs are potentially dangerous situations for anyone to encounter. They must be cleaned by professionals even after you may have attempted to clean the area yourself.
Much like mold these situations are dangerous to be exposed to, there can be unseen exposure that lingers in your home or place of work. To ensure all of the hazardous materials are eliminated work with a company that exceeds O.S.H.A department of health and safety standards. While attempting to clean yourself may seem like the best way to save money it could also be the fastest way to risk your health.
Hoarders and animal infestations are special situations that are less common.
When encountering these situations, it is best to work with a team that has the proper gear. To you it just might be a pile of old things, or an animal intruder but in reality, it is a breeding ground for bacteria and potentially disease. Getting the space decontaminated should be your top priority.
For many restoration situations it is okay to start the clean-up yourself after water damage or fire exposure but when dealing with Biohazard it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Make sure you work with a team that can provide you with exceptional results while taking extreme care of you, your loved ones, and your property.
For more information regarding Biohazard visit the CDC.
Five Biohazard Levels according to the CDC:
Biohazard Level 1: Agents that pose minimal threat to humans and the environment.
Examples: E. Coli, Bacillus, and Naegleria gruberi.
Biohazard Level 2: Agents that can cause severe illness in humans and are transmitted through direct contact with infected material.
Examples: HIV, hepatitis B, and salmonella.
Biohazard Level 3: Pathogens that can become airborne and cause serious disease.
Examples: Tuberculosis and Coxiella burnetii.
Biohazard Level 4: Pathogens that pose a high risk of life-threatening disease for which there are no treatments.
Examples: Ebola virus and Lassa virus.