In Baltimore’s Patterson Park home, a landlord was preparing to lease the property to new tenants. What the landlord did not realize was that a traumatic event had occurred at the property, resulting in blood and bodily fluid contamination.
To minimize costs, the landlord planned to do the cleaning himself using household disinfectants and some basic PPE. Unfortunately, within weeks of the new tenants moving in, they began experiencing respiratory difficulties, nausea, and dizziness in the house. Eventually, the home was condemned, and the landlord found himself faced with not only significant remediation bills but also legal fees.
While this case is extreme, it is not uncommon. Improper biohazard cleanup can have serious physical ramifications but can also lead to emotional, financial, and legal nightmares.
In this article, we will examine some hidden hazards of improper biohazard cleanup and the importance of hiring a professional biohazard cleanup company in Baltimore that can compound the risk.
Lesser-Known Risks of Improper Biohazard Cleanup
In Baltimore, where homes range from historic to high-rise, the safety and cleanup of biohazard scenes are made complicated by aging infrastructure and dense population. From exposure to pathogens to legal issues, these hazards are too risky to ignore.
Hidden Danger #1: Pathogen Exposure
The biggest issue with improper biohazard cleanup is exposure to infectious diseases. Bloodborne pathogens such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV can survive outside the body for days or even weeks in the right conditions.
Household cleaners will not eliminate these pathogens. Just wiping a surface down with bleach can potentially contaminate other surfaces nearby if you are not cautious about how you do it. For these reasons, you need to use professional biohazard cleanup services in Baltimore that follow OSHA and EPA safety regulations.
Hidden Danger #2: Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination occurs when pathogens are moved from the initial source of contamination to a clean area. There are many ways this could happen, including:
- Feet transport bacteria throughout the home
- Contaminated materials are being improperly disposed of
- Tools or gloves are being reused without cleaning or disinfection
Professional biohazard cleanup can lead to cross-contamination affecting HVAC systems, furniture, flooring, and other areas, including surrounding units in multi-family buildings, which are common property structures in Baltimore. These risks are not just unhygienic; they could lead to long-lasting health repercussions and total property value loss.
Hidden Danger #3: Structural Damage
Biohazard materials can affect more than just surface areas; they can penetrate deep into structural parts of a property. Blood and bodily fluids, for example, can seep into subflooring, drywall, and insulation, and if not properly handled by a biohazard remediation professional, will decay and rot, weakening a building’s integrity over time.
This is a real concern in Baltimore with so many older houses, many of which have wood framing that makes it easy to grow mold and bacteria when moisture and organic matter are present.
Hidden Danger #4: Improper Disposal
Many improperly cleaned biohazard scenes fail to correctly dispose of biohazard material. For example, placing blood-soaked material in a standard trash bag is illegal and unsafe. Biohazard materials must be disposed of using medical-grade protocols as required by law.
Failure to follow fatality scene disposal procedures will leave the property owner open to:
- Fines or violations from the local health department
- EPA or OSHA violations
- Contamination of the environment
Restoration companies in Baltimore, such as Paul Davis of Greater Baltimore, provide trained and certified personnel to safely remove and dispose of all biohazardous waste according to federal, state, and local regulations.
Hidden Danger #5: The Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Biohazard scenes usually stem from traumatic events, including accidents, crimes, suicide, or unattended death. Cleaning up after a scene without proper training and certification exposes you to emotional trauma and physical dangers.
Family members, landlords, or businesses should not be exposed to repeatedly reliving a traumatic moment because they are forced to clean a scene.
Hidden Danger #6: Legal and Insurance Consequences
Even health risks from improper biohazard cleanup can create legal and insurance problems. For example:
- Tenants can sue landlords for health risks
- Homeowner’s insurance claims can be denied based on poor documentation
- Poor cleaning can be seen as negligence in court
Choosing a biohazard restoration company in Baltimore can protect you with accurate documentation, proper remediation, and support when dealing with your insurance company.
Why DIY Biohazard Cleanup is Never a Good Idea
Even with the best intentions, DIY is dangerous and likely ineffective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that only professionals handle biohazard remediation. General cleaning supplies (bucket and mop) and disinfectants are not sufficient to address biological threats, nor will they address structural impacts or air contaminants.
Professionals use specialized equipment such as:
- HEPA-filtered air scrubbing or filtration
- ATP testing meters
- Hospital-grade disinfectants
- Full-body PPE suits
A trusted contractor used to provide professional biohazard cleanup in Baltimore not only has the necessary equipment but also knows the correct way to employ it.
Select the Right Biohazard Cleanup Team in Baltimore
When using an online search for biohazard cleanup near me, be sure to vet the companies that come up. You want a company that:
- Is IICRC certified for trauma and crime scene cleanup
- Follows operating guidelines from OSHA, EPA, and CDC
- Can respond to emergencies 24/7
- Has geographically local knowledge of unique Baltimore challenges
Biohazard remediation is not just a job; it’s a responsibility that involves health, safety, and ethics. Not every cleaning crew can do this delicate and dangerous work.
Clean is Not Always Hygienic, Paul Davis of Greater Baltimore Makes It Safe
No matter the type of biohazard involved or the seriousness of the incident, it is always a good idea to trust trained professionals. Biohazard cleanup is not just about restoring what we see; it’s about preserving life, restoring property, and offering peace of mind to those who need to re-engage with the places they call home.
Paul Davis of Greater Baltimore is your trusted local partner for all emergency and biohazard restoration needs. As a leading biohazard restoration company in Baltimore, we are completely certified, experienced, and equipped to handle any hazardous scene compassionately and properly.
Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, our team can discreetly, quickly, and compliantly create a plan that fits your needs and the needs of your Baltimore-based property.
If you face an unthinkable event, trust Paul Davis of Greater Baltimore to restore your property. Contact us today to schedule an on-site appointment.
