Biohazards at home
Most residential biohazard calls aren't dramatic. They come from illness, accidents, aging, neglect or a family emergency: a loved one's prolonged illness, incontinence that has soaked into furniture and flooring, a bathroom accident in an older adult's home, sharps left by a family member, a tenant who left waste behind, or the aftermath of an injury. Each of these involves material that can spread disease, and each tends to soak into porous surfaces where household cleaning can't reach.
What we clean up
- Blood and bodily fluids from injuries, illness or medical events
- Human waste and urine, including long-term incontinence saturation
- Vomit, especially when norovirus or other illness is suspected
- Used needles and sharps
- Medical waste from home care
- Animal waste and contamination
- Surfaces exposed to infectious illness
Our approach in homes
We work in someone's home, so we pay attention to the household as well as the hazard:
- Assessment of the affected areas and of how far the contamination goes below the surface.
- Plan and approval. You see a written scope before any item is removed.
- Protection. Containment keeps contamination from spreading to clean rooms, and technicians wear appropriate protective equipment.
- Removal of porous materials that can't be decontaminated, such as mattresses, upholstery, carpet and pad, and drywall, only with your approval.
- Cleaning and disinfection of all remaining surfaces using EPA-registered products for the full contact time.
- Odor treatment where needed.
- Waste handling under regulated-waste rules.
- Documentation for insurance, landlords or family records.
Older adults and caregivers
Families caring for aging parents often face sanitation problems they didn't expect. We work patiently and discreetly, and we can make the home safer and cleaner without making anyone feel judged. If the situation reflects a larger care need, local Area Agencies on Aging can connect families with support services.
Common questions
Is bleach enough?
Bleach can disinfect some hard surfaces when properly diluted and used after cleaning. It doesn't reach contamination that has soaked into porous materials, and it can damage many surfaces.
Do you work in rentals?
Yes. We work with tenants, landlords and property managers. The owner usually authorizes work on the structure.
Will neighbors know what you're doing?
Crews arrive as quietly as practical and don't discuss the job with anyone. Waste leaves the home packaged and sealed.