The short answer
Recognizing Biohazard Situations
Biohazards include blood, vomit, feces, urine, and other bodily fluids. They also cover medical waste, used needles, and certain chemicals. When these materials are present outside a controlled setting, they can spread disease or cause serious illness.
Typical scenarios include sewage backups from toilets or plumbing overflows, flooding that mixes with waste, and accidents or injuries that leave blood behind. An unattended death in a home also requires specialized cleanup. If you see any of these, do not attempt to clean it yourself.
Health Risks You Should Not Ignore
Exposure to biohazards can lead to infections, respiratory problems, and skin irritation. Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Blood may carry bloodborne pathogens. Even dried materials can become airborne and pose a risk.
Your safety comes first. Avoid touching anything contaminated. Keep children and pets away. Open windows for ventilation if possible, but do not enter the area. See a doctor if you feel unwell after exposure. Professional cleanup is the only safe way to handle these materials.
- Sewage backup from a toilet or drain
- Floodwater that has entered from outside
- Blood or bodily fluids after an injury or accident
- Unattended death or decomposition
- Chemical spills or hazardous waste
- Medical waste or used sharps
What Professional Cleanup Involves
The pros follow strict safety protocols. They wear protective gear, contain the affected area, and remove contaminated materials properly. They use hospital-grade disinfectants and specialized equipment to clean and deodorize the space.
The work usually involves removing porous items like carpet, drywall, and insulation that cannot be safely cleaned. Non-porous surfaces are scrubbed and disinfected. The pros also check for hidden contamination in walls and subfloors. This process ensures the area is safe for you to re-enter.
When to Call for Help Immediately
Act quickly if a biohazard situation occurs. The longer contaminants sit, the deeper they penetrate surfaces and the harder they are to remove. Early action also reduces the risk of mold growth, which often follows water damage.
- You see sewage or floodwater in your home
- Blood or other bodily fluids are present
- There has been an unattended death
- A chemical or hazardous material has spilled
- You smell strong odors that suggest decomposition
Costs and Insurance Considerations
Biohazard cleanup costs vary widely. The total depends on the extent of contamination, the size of the affected area, and the materials that must be removed. It often ranges from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Your insurance policy may cover some biohazard cleanup, especially if it results from a covered event like a sewage backup or storm flood. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy and contact your insurance company to understand your coverage before proceeding.
Need help right now?
Call (414) 348-0250 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (414) 348-0250Frequently asked questions
Can I clean up a small sewage spill myself?
No. Even a small sewage spill contains harmful bacteria and viruses. Household cleaners do not kill all pathogens. The pros have the right disinfectants and protective gear to do it safely. Call a professional for any sewage backup, no matter the size.
What should I do before the pros get here?
Stay out of the affected area. Turn off HVAC systems to prevent spreading contaminants. If you have gloves and a mask, you can carefully block off the area, but do not touch anything. Open windows for ventilation if it is safe to do so.
Is biohazard cleanup the same as regular water damage cleanup?
No. Regular water damage from clean sources like a broken pipe is less hazardous. Biohazard cleanup involves infectious materials and requires special training, equipment, and disposal methods. The pros who handle biohazards follow stricter protocols to protect your health.