The Little-Known Health Risks of Death Cleanup

Biohazard cleanup technicians know there is nothing too small to overlook. Even a minor oversight from a decomposed body can expose people to thousands of harmful, potentially life-threatening, bacteria. To outsiders, death cleanup might seem like a straightforward process, but there are dozens of regulations, guidelines and scientific processes that underscore the entire act.

Read on to discover some of the most startling and unknown health risks that result from a death cleanup and why calling the right crew is imperative.

Blood

The deceased can still spread bloodborne diseases after they’ve passed. In the wake of murders, suicides or other traumatic events, blood particles that linger can expose the living to pathogens that carry a wide range of life-threatening diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C.

Bleach is not enough to disinfect and truly eliminate any potential threats; different chemical agents and specialized blood removal equipment are required to ensure that every microscopic trace of blood is removed from a crime scene.

Medical Waste

In the death cleanup business, “red bag” refers to a job that involves biohazardous medical waste. Infectious disease and bacteria can easily spread through any waste left in a person’s wake, and it requires precision, attention to detail and the right use of both chemicals and tools to ensure that the waste is disposed of in a manner that will not lead to further exposure or contamination.

All medical waste must go to a specialized facility for disposal. Under no circumstances can medical waste be placed with regular garbage. Medical waste transportation and facility access also require specialized licensure. Attempting to transport and dispose of any biohazardous waste can lead to extreme illness and infection both onsite and in vehicles.

Wall Rot

If a person dies near a wall structure and their body starts to decompose, fluids can contaminate walls and floorboards, leading to maggots and rot. The oils that are produced by decomposing human flesh are impossible to remove with cleaning products alone; a degreaser has to be used to loosen the oil before the area can be decontaminated.

In most cases, if a body dies near a wall, the affected area must be cut and removed. Dry rot, maggots, flies and pest infestation are soon to follow if proper protocol isn’t measured. The odor is an entirely different problem, one that will persist endlessly if the wall is not removed and reconstructed.

The same applies to carpets, floorboards and even concrete. If any fluid seeps through fibers and cracks, it will eventually spread and reach the foundation. Early intervention and proper cleanup are essential to the health and wellbeing of everyone, even people beyond the property’s walls.

Proper Death Cleanup Protocol

Professionals have the right tools, knowledge, skills and chemical products to decontaminate and preserve property after death. Families and friends are often left unsure where to even begin contacting the proper authorities when they find a dead body; loved ones who pass alone and decompose for days or even weeks on end create a major biohazard for anyone who steps into the room.

Unexpected death cleaning from ABT can respond quickly in the event of a loved one’s traumatic passing. Professional cleaning devices and decontamination products will be used to ensure that the entire area is sterilized and safe to reenter upon your loved one’s passing.

Deadly bacteria and pathogens will be removed through an extensive biological waste and biohazard cleaning process. No crevice will be left untreated, and grieving relatives and friends will be able to cope with their loss in peace without worrying about their health or others’ well-being.