Biohazard Frequently Asked Questions

Professional biohazard cleanup services typically use strict protocols, specialized equipment, and verification processes to ensure thorough cleaning and decontamination. This may include using disinfectants, testing surfaces for cleanliness, and following industry standards and regulations. To guarantee cleanliness, experts conduct post-cleanup assessments and testing to confirm that the area is safe for use or habitation.

Whether homeowners’ insurance covers biohazard cleanup depends on your policy and the circumstances. Some policies may cover biohazard cleanup resulting from specific events, such as accidents or crime scenes. It’s crucial to check your policy and discuss coverage options with your insurance provider.

Crime scene cleanup involves the removal and decontamination of biohazardous materials, including blood, bodily fluids, or other hazardous substances, from the scene of a crime or traumatic event. It is a specialized form of biohazard cleanup and requires trained professionals to ensure proper cleaning and sanitization while respecting the legal and ethical aspects of the situation.

Yes, human waste, especially if it contains blood or is contaminated with infectious agents, is considered a biohazard. It can potentially transmit diseases and should be handled and disposed of with caution and in compliance with relevant regulations.

Exposure to biohazards can lead to serious health risks, including infection, disease transmission, and other health complications. The specific consequences depend on the nature of the biohazard involved. Immediate steps following exposure should include seeking medical attention and reporting the incident to authorities or employers to ensure proper documentation and follow-up care.

The cost of biohazard cleanup can vary widely depending on factors such as the extent of contamination, the type of biohazard involved, and the size of the affected area. In general, biohazard cleanup is a specialized service that requires trained professionals, specialized equipment, and stringent safety measures, which can make it relatively expensive. However, the cost is outweighed by the importance of ensuring a safe and clean environment.

The biohazard remediation process involves several key steps:

1. Assessment: Professionals assess the extent of contamination and identify biohazardous materials.
2. Isolation: Affected areas are sealed off to prevent further contamination.
3. Cleanup: Biohazard materials are removed, and the affected surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated.
4. Disposal: Biohazardous waste is safely packaged and disposed of according to regulations.
5. Testing: Verification of cleanliness and safety through testing and sampling.
6. Restoration: Rebuilding or restoring the affected space, if necessary.

This process ensures that the area is safe for use or habitation.

Examples of biohazard waste include blood-soaked materials, human or animal tissues, bodily fluids, microbiological cultures, sharps (needles, scalpels), medical waste, and items contaminated with potentially infectious agents. It also encompasses chemicals or substances that are hazardous to health, like certain drugs or toxic materials.

It is not recommended to attempt biohazard cleanup yourself, as it can be extremely dangerous. Biohazardous materials may contain infectious agents or toxins that pose health risks. Professional biohazard cleanup services have the necessary training, equipment, and expertise to safely and effectively handle and dispose of biohazardous waste while minimizing the risk of contamination.

Biohazard cleanup is the process of safely and professionally removing and decontaminating hazardous materials, such as blood, bodily fluids, chemicals, or infectious waste, from a location. This specialized cleaning is essential when there is a risk of exposure to pathogens or harmful substances. Trained biohazard cleanup experts follow strict protocols to disinfect and restore affected areas, ensuring they are safe for habitation or use.

As of March 17, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does not have information specifically regarding how pregnant women are reacting to COVID-19 exposure. However, it should be noted that pregnant women are more susceptible to viral infections, which would include COVID-19.  Pregnant women should be extra diligent and follow routine preventive measures to avoid infection, such as disinfecting your home, washing their hands regularly, and avoiding crowded locations and people who are sick.

PuroClean uses the PuroClean RapidDefense™ system to provide deep mitigation cleaning in areas compromised by a Coronavirus or Influenza outbreak. Using this process, the team at PuroClean will carefully contain the area and will minimize the risk of pathogens spreading using The Environmental Protection Agency-registered (EPA) products. If there are any lingering odors, our trained technicians will deodorize the area and return your South Portland area property back to its pre-loss condition with empathy and care.

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces are the recommended actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, like coronavirus. Since any surface can be re-contaminated after cleaning, and because the coronavirus is also spread person-to-person, PuroClean’s services are not guaranteed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information regarding coronavirus, its spread, and prevention.

As of March 17, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does not have information specifically regarding how pregnant women are reacting to COVID-19 exposure. However, it should be noted that pregnant women are more susceptible to viral infections, which would include COVID-19.  Pregnant women should be extra diligent and follow routine preventive measures to avoid infection, such as disinfecting their home, washing their hands regularly, and avoiding crowded locations and people who are sick.

PuroClean uses the PuroClean RapidDefense™ system to provide deep mitigation cleaning in areas compromised by a Coronavirus or Influenza outbreak. Using this process, the team at PuroClean will carefully contain the area and will minimize the risk of pathogens spreading using The Environmental Protection Agency-registered (EPA) products. If there are any lingering odors, our trained technicians will deodorize the area and return your South Portland area property back to its pre-loss condition with empathy and care.

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces are the recommended actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, like coronavirus. Since any surface can be re-contaminated after cleaning, and because the coronavirus is also spread person-to-person, PuroClean’s services are not guaranteed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information regarding coronavirus, its spread, and prevention.

“Coronavirus” is an umbrella term for many types of viruses. This group of viruses has been known for decades and can cause respiratory diseases in both people and animals. What has been most publicized lately is the 2019 Novel Coronavirus — COVID-19 (previously 2019-nCoV), which is a new strain. According to the World Health Organization, this strain had not been previously identified in humans.

If you feel that your home or office has been impacted by the COVID-19 or any other virus or infection, contact your local PuroClean professionals. Our team uses the PuroClean RapidDefense™ system to provide deep mitigation cleaning in areas compromised by a Coronavirus or Influenza outbreak. Using this process, the team at PuroClean will carefully contain the area and will minimize the risk of pathogens spreading using The Environmental Protection Agency-registered (EPA) hospital grade products. If there are any lingering odors, our trained technicians will deodorize the area and return your property back to its pre-loss condition with empathy and care.

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces are the recommended actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, like Coronavirus. Since any surface can be re-contaminated after cleaning, and because the Coronavirus is also spread person-to-person, PuroClean’s services are not guaranteed to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information regarding Coronavirus, its spread, and prevention.

If someone in close proximity to you is coughing or sneezing, be sure to maintain at least 6 feet (2 meters) distance between yourself and the person who is coughing or sneezing.  If you are too close, you will have the potential to breathe in any sprays of liquid that may be emitted from their nose or mouth, which may potentially contain a virus, including the COVID-19.

If you are in a private setting and do are not wearing your cloth face covering, remember always to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and dispose of the tissue in a lined trash can. Using the inside of your elbow is another option. Wash hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

For professional cleanup following a social gathering that may have been impacted by COVID-19 or any other viral infection, contact your local PuroClean professionals. Our certified industry-trained technicians use the PuroClean RapidDefense™ system to provide deep mitigation cleaning in areas compromised by a Coronavirus or Influenza outbreak. Using this process, the team at PuroClean will carefully contain the area and will minimize the risk of pathogens spreading using The Environmental Protection Agency-registered (EPA) hospital-grade products. If there are any lingering odors, our trained technicians will deodorize the area and return your property back to its pre-loss condition with empathy and care.

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces are the recommended actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, like Coronavirus. Since any surface can be re-contaminated after cleaning, and because the Coronavirus is also spread person-to-person, PuroClean’s services are not guaranteed to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information regarding Coronavirus, its spread, and prevention.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requests that we all do our part to slow the spread of the coronavirus.  We can do this by avoiding close contact with others and staying at home as much as possible if not working in a critical infrastructure industry such as healthcare, pharmaceutical, or food supply, etc.  The wearing of a face mask is recommended if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms, especially if coughing or sneezing, or if you are looking after someone who has the disease. 

If you are not sick or looking after someone who is, then you should still cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, as you could spread COVID-19 even if you do not feel sick.  Do not, however, use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker and continue to keep a distance of 6 feet between yourself and others, as the face cover is not a substitute for social distancing. NOTE: The CDC does not recommend face coverings for children under age 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

For health care professionals and people who are taking care of the sick in close settings, the U.S. Surgeon General recommends the N95 mask that should be carefully fitted to protect the worker.  Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.  If you are wearing a mask, you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly. To help reduce contamination related to the COVID-19 outbreak while caring for the sick or infirm, contact your local PuroClean professionals to schedule regular cleaning. Our industry-certified technicians use EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfecting products, including towelettes, containing pharmaceutical ingredients that meet OSHA’s bloodborne pathogen standard against diseases like the Coronavirus and other disease-causing bacteria, viruses, tuberculosis, mold, and mildew.

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces are the recommended actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, like Coronavirus. Since any surface can be re-contaminated after cleaning, and because the Coronavirus is also spread person-to-person, PuroClean’s services are not guaranteed to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for more information regarding the Coronavirus, its spread, and prevention.

There is currently no evidence that household pets can be infected with or transmit the Coronavirus.  However, the CDC recommends having limited contact with household pets and other animals until more information is known about the virus.

Therefore, to protect other people and yourself, the CDC recommends that you restrict contact with pets if you are sick with COVID-19, just as you would restrict your contact with other people.

For now, pet owners in the U.S. don’t need to do anything other than follow normal health precautions such as washing their hands with soap and water after contact with any animal. To reduce the spread of germs, you may consider wiping your pet’s paws when they come in and out of the house with a paw cleaner and paw wipes. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Based on the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), our technicians will provide intensified cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces, high touch-points, and any other areas that may have been impacted by the virus. This process includes the use of EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants for the cleaning of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) contamination and other viral respiratory illnesses in commercial, institutional, and home environments to help in reducing the risk to your family and your pets.

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces are the recommended actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, like Coronavirus. Since any surface can be re-contaminated after cleaning, and because the Coronavirus is also spread person-to-person, PuroClean’s services are not guaranteed to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information regarding Coronavirus, its spread, and prevention.

Cleaning your home after it has been compromised by someone with the Coronavirus infection is an important followup to keeping yourself and your family members safe.  Be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect your home after it has been compromised.  Clean all surfaces where the sick has been, paying particular attention to the isolated areas.  Carpets, drapes, and other soft furnishings should be cleaned.  Laundry items such as towels, bed linens, pillows, etc., should be removed and properly disposed of.  Clean other areas of the home, especially the hallways leading to the isolated areas, the kitchen, and bathrooms.

As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to rise and health and government officials notify the public to take necessary measures to protect themselves, one of the best ways to slow its progress is by performing deep mitigation cleaning of all touch-point surfaces, along with the use of an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant.  These methods of cleaning can be utilized for institutions, commercial, and residential properties. Our Coronavirus cleaning services will help reduce contamination related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Call your local PuroClean office for more information on how we can help clean your property.

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces are the recommended actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, like Coronavirus. Since any surface can be re-contaminated after cleaning, and because the Coronavirus is also spread person-to-person, PuroClean’s services are not guaranteed to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for more information regarding Coronavirus, its spread, and prevention.

As with any virus, the Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and any respiratory droplets come in contact with another person.  Keeping a good distance from infected persons will help keep you safe from contracting the disease.

The following measures will help keep your environment safe:

• Use a separate room and bathroom for sick household members if possible.
• Disinfect household items regularly, paying particular attention to those that are touched often.
• Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, making sure to lather the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean personal items regularly, such as cell phones, glasses, remote control devices, computers, etc.
• Avoid sharing personal items like utensils, food and drink.

PuroClean uses the PuroClean RapidDefense™ system to provide deep mitigation cleaning in areas compromised by a Coronavirus or Influenza outbreak. Using this process, the team at PuroClean will carefully contain the area and will minimize the risk of pathogens spreading using The Environmental Protection Agency-registered (EPA), hospital-grade products. If there are any lingering odors, our trained technicians will deodorize the area and return your property back to its pre-loss condition with empathy and care.

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces are the recommended actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, like Coronavirus. Since any surface can be re-contaminated after cleaning, and because the Coronavirus is also spread person-to-person, PuroClean’s services are not guaranteed to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for more information regarding Coronavirus, its spread, and prevention.

There is no proven home remedy for this virus.  Extreme heat or cold, nasal saline solutions, eating or applying garlic or onions to the skin, spraying alcohol or chlorine on the body, and other such home remedies will not kill viruses.  While alcohol and chlorine are useful disinfectants, they should only be applied as recommended on the labeling or by a professional, i.e., a doctor, pharmacist, or other medical personnel.

*Spraying alcohol and chlorine can impact the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Applying alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol is recommended for cleaning hands.  Do so by rubbing them together until they feel dry.  Using hand sanitizers, however, does not replace hand washing, as soap and water is the best option.

Based on the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), our technicians will provide intensified cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces, high touch-points, and any other areas that may have been impacted by the virus. This process includes the use of EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants for the cleaning of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) contamination and other viral respiratory illnesses in commercial, institutional, and home environments.

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces are the recommended actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, like Coronavirus. Since any surface can be re-contaminated after cleaning, and because the Coronavirus is also spread person-to-person, PuroClean’s services are not guaranteed to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information regarding Coronavirus, its spread, and prevention.

According to the World Health Organization, transmission appears to be limited; however, it is possible that older adults and persons who have underlying chronic medical conditions may be at risk for more severe outcomes.  The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease — most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 2-14 days, most commonly around five days. During this incubation period, the virus is contagious. Coronaviruses tend not to survive outside of the body for more than 24 hours and can easily be destroyed by detergents and cleaning agents.  Following recuperation from COVID-19, patients should remain in isolation until they have been released by their doctor or other medical professional.  The CDC recommends recovered patients should be released on a case-by-case when:

• The patient is free from fever without the use of fever-reducing medications
• The patient is no longer showing symptoms, including cough
• The patient has tested negative on at least two consecutive respiratory specimens collected at least 24 hours apart

As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to rise and health and government officials notify the public to take necessary measures to protect themselves, one of the best ways to slow its progress is by performing deep mitigation cleaning of all touch-point surfaces, along with the use of an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant.  These methods of cleaning can be utilized for institutions, commercial, and residential properties. Our Coronavirus cleaning services will help reduce contamination related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Call your local PuroClean office for more information on how we can help clean your property.

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces are the recommended actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, like Coronavirus. Since any surface can be re-contaminated after cleaning, and because the Coronavirus is also spread person-to-person, PuroClean’s services are not guaranteed to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information regarding Coronavirus, its spread, and prevention.

When a biohazard occurs, professionals are needed to clean and disinfect as improper treatment can spread contamination and lead to illness or life-threatening conditions.

Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs), as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Most homeowners insurance will cover crime scene (biohazard) cleanup. We recommend that you consult your insurance agent/carrier to find out if you can make a claim for your particular circumstance.

Blood itself is not a biohazard, it’s what may be in the blood that is potentially hazardous, such as bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) or infectious microorganisms, that can cause diseases.

Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs), as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

When a biohazard occurs, professionals are needed to clean and disinfect as improper treatment can spread contamination and lead to illness or life-threatening conditions.

Biohazards are any biological contaminants such as those found in sewage, mold, or any viral or bacterial contamination such as MRSA. Biohazards also include toxins found in decaying organisms, as well as bodily fluids.