Types of Biohazard

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Biohazard sign

Many different biohazardous situations can occur in a home. Sewage backing up into a home is the most common biohazard problem. However, there are some less-frequent problems that may require special attention. In this blog, we will discuss two of these issues: Animal infestation, and hoarding. While many people think that these are not biohazard situations, they can each present health and safety risks that must be handled carefully.

Animal Infestation:

Animal infestation happens when non-pet animals take over your home. For example, birds or raccoons making nests in the attics or mice making their homes in your walls. Having these unwanted guests is not only damaging to your home, but it can be harmful to your health as well. Some animals can act as disease vectors, bring illnesses with them. Their droppings may also contain dangerous microbes that can cause disease.

Hoarding:

You’ve seen the hoarding shows on TV, and some people are wondering if that stuff is real. Well in some cases, it’s very real. There are a few different types of hoarders:

• “Clean” hoarders that collect an excessive amount of stuff, but they generally keep a clean house. You normally see this in elderly couples’ homes, where they have collected many items over a period of decades.

• “Dirty” hoarders that have a substantial excess of property and garbage in their home, and have lost control of the cleanliness of their living space. There may be piles of dirty dishes and trash everywhere, as well as large amounts of spoiled food. Insect and rodent infestation is a common side effect of this type of hoarding.

• Animal hoarders. These hoarders have a large amount of animals in their home. They typically can’t keep up with cleanup of the animal waste, or the animals’ basic needs. This can result in dangerous amounts of bacteria from animal waste, and present a substantial health hazard.

Hoarding can cause permanent structural damage in a home. But the greater concerns are the health and safety risks involved. There can be air quality issues caused by mold or bacterial growth. Proper cleanup and waste removal are critical to bring the property back to a state that is safe for occupancy.

If you know someone that is dealing with any type of biohazard issue, SERVPRO of Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade and Hancock Counties has trained, certified technicians available to help anytime.