Our homes are our havens, our safe spaces, and our retreats. But, sometimes, it takes a biohazard cleanup from experts to get them to that point. Whether you’ve purchased a new home or you simply want to be aware of potential biohazards within it, read on. You may be surprised to learn what could be lurking where you least expect it.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was commonly used in building materials in New Zealand up until the 1990s. It can appear in fireproofing products, ceilings, textured paints, insulation, flooring, patching compounds, and more.

While asbestos is not a health hazard when it’s in good condition, it can quickly become one. That’s why if you notice any damage, or you will be carrying out renovations, it’s essential to seek expert assistance.

An asbestos removal company can test for asbestos then put steps in place to remove it safely. It’s hard to believe that something innocently used for decades could pose a health risk. Still, asbestos is responsible for around 90,000 deaths annually.

Meth residue

Methamphetamine contamination is a growing problem in New Zealand. Therefore, a biohazard cleanup team is going to be crucial for the removal or reduction of meth residue in your home.

While our bodies can pass the toxins through our livers, meth residue in homes can lead to nosebleeds, sinus headaches, mouth sores, and trouble breathing. These symptoms are often more prevalent in children.

However, aside from these signs, there are generally no obvious ones that a house has meth residue. Therefore, meth testing should form part of your pre-purchase checks before buying a home. 

A biohazard cleanup for meth residue can involve cleaning all hard, non-porous items like counters, doors, walls, and floors. Anything else, such as carpeting, underlay, exposed insulation, and curtains, would need to be removed. Fortunately, there are meth cleanup experts in NZ who can take care of the entire process.

Sewage leakage and backflow

Plumbing issues and flooding can cause sewage backflow, which results in a sewage issue on your property. Sewage leakage can be a severe biohazard that requires expert assistance. While a plumber can take care of any plumbing issues, a biohazard cleanup team can be crucial for the removal and remediation of hazardous substances.

Hoarding

We all want to keep our families safe, but a hoarding disorder can make our family’s safety a backseat priority. Someone with a hoarding disorder has trouble parting with possessions out of a need to save them. Sometimes, it can cause people with the condition to live in cramped, unhealthy conditions, surrounded by waste, urine, faeces, chemicals, and even blood.

Biological waste can be a severe hazard, so having an expert team to handle it can be paramount. It’s also essential to approach a hoarder’s environment with compassion, for parting with items – no matter how dangerous – can be an emotional experience.

Trauma hazards

Violent crimes and accidental deaths in homes can be traumatic experiences for friends and family. Sometimes, such events can also lead to homes being damaged, hazardous, and even uninhabitable. It’s crucial to let a biohazard cleanup expert take care of these environments.

They can act quickly and discretely while maintaining the respect of the victim, family, and friends involved.

Contagious illnesses  

Some illnesses and infectious diseases can linger in the air and on surfaces for hours and even days. If you share a home with someone who has suffered from a contagious illness, such as the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, then hiring a company that offers disinfection services may be the answer. Not only do you get peace of mind, but a clean home at the end of it.

Disinfection services can involve fogging and the use of recommended chemicals. Trained experts will provide appropriate disinfection of surface areas, equipment, and touch-points. As a result, such services can be crucial for homes, businesses, healthcare locations, and hospitals.

Human and animal waste

Any solid or liquid waste from an animal or human can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Coming into contact with it without appropriate personal protective equipment can result in serious illness.

Whether such waste is present in your home through crime or other means, it’s crucial to hand the job over to an expert. Trained workers in biohazard cleanup can carry out professional disposal, cleaning, and restoration to have your property looking as good as new. 

Regarding pathological waste, such as organs, tissue, and body parts, the same recommendations are relevant. For your physical, emotional, and mental health, always leave such cleanup tasks in the hands of capable experts.

Hire a biohazard cleanup team to assist

Taking care of biohazards is often a job for the experts. They have all the appropriate PPE, not to mention training and licencing. Now might be the right time to call upon a biohazard cleanup company that’s capable of turning your home back into your safe space.