What Are the Most Common Bloodborne Pathogens?

As a trusted biohazard cleanup company working here in the Pacific Northwest, we often encounter blood on projects we take on.  Whether it’s the result of trauma, suicide, a crime scene, or an unattended death, the presence of blood causes our cleanup technicians to step up their preventative measures even further than our normal protocols. The same is true when used injection syringes (with needles) are present, such as in homeless camps or public spaces where IV drug users congregate to shoot up.

Why do we take special care when blood is present in a cleanup scene?

HIV virus under microscope

Because there are various viruses and other pathogens that can be present in blood, and some of them can survive for extended periods of time.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the three most common ones are:

  • HIV
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C

All three of these illnesses can be fatal.  Becoming infected with any of these from contact with blood is usually via a cut in the skin (such as the needle puncture the police officer suffered) or contact with mucous membranes.

The Likelihood of Becoming Infected from These Bloodborne Pathogens

We don’t want to over-exaggerate the risk, because the rate of transmission is low. For example, your risk of contracting HIV from a dirty needle is only 0.3% In a 15-year time span, the CDC was only able to document 57 cases, and of those the majority were health care workers like nurses and lab techs, and they were all related to a cut or puncture.  (Note:  Some researchers claim the rate is far higher. But even 1 in 300 is too big of a gamble.)

Though on the decline since 1977 (a 95%) drop, due mainly to a new vaccine and massive immunization of health care workers, Hepatitis B still remains a health threat.  It can cause severe liver damage and can be fatal.  The estimated risk of contracting it via contact with a needle or cut is somewhere between 6-30%.

Hepatitis C causes damage similar to Hep B.  There are 4 other Hepatitis viruses – A, D, E, and G.  All can be transmitted via contaminated blood, and it is believed that Hepatitis E can also be spread by drinking water contaminated with feces from an infected individual. Some are also sexually transmitted.  Hep D, E, and G are rare in the U.S., but occasional cases have been documented.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of dangers that may accompany blood spills, but it does include the most common ones.  The wisest course of action when encountering used needles is to avoid any contact whatsoever; report them to the appropriate authorities.  (If you live in the Seattle area, the direction is to call 911.)

And if you have property that has been contaminated by spilled blood, we recommend you contact a biohazard cleanup company such as ours, with trained technicians and specialized equipment to safely decontaminate the area and dispose appropriately of anything contaminated with the blood.  We are also experienced in property restoration, should tear-out of building materials, carpeting, and other furnishings be required.

 

 

 

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How Do You Choose a Biohazard, Trauma, or Crime Scene Cleanup Company?

If you own a property here in the Pacific Northwest, chances are that sooner or later you are going to need the help of a biohazard cleanup company. Now, that term might be a little restrictive, because usually companies like ours offer a lot more than professional cleaning services, and at times it is broader than just the term ‘biohazard.’ For example, these are just a few of the services we provide:

  • Crime scene or other trauma cleanup
  • Cleanup after a suicide, accidental or unattended death
  • Homeless encampments and squatter occupation
  • Decontamination from biological substances that can pose a health threat – blood and other bodily fluids, drug paraphernalia, trash, rodent infestation, and more

The first time you have a need for services like this, you’ll probably start with an internet search. And you’ll find there are lots of companies that provide them. So just how do you choose? Sure, ratings are helpful, but they aren’t always reliable.

When you’re working with a company to deal with any kind of hazardous containment and cleanup, of course it’s important that they are professional and experienced in what they do.  But because this is likely a stressful time for you, it’s also important to know that whoever you choose to work with will support and assist you through all the stages you’ll face.

Here are some considerations and why we believe we’re the company you should work with.

  • We are a family-owned business, and because of that we can often relate to what you’re going through. That means you’ll find a sympathetic and supportive ear.  Compassionate care for each person we deal with is our standard. 
  • Our technicians are highly trained. experienced and professional, but they are also kind, respectful, and caring. We realize this is probably a difficult time, so we endeavor to be as supportive as possible.
  • We are fully licensed, bonded and insured in each of the areas we service.
  • Our containment, cleaning, decontamination, and disposal methods meet or exceed industry and governmental standards.
  • We man our phones 24/7, each and every day of the year – no answering service, no answering machine, no options to click through to leave a message. A live person will answer your call whenever you call.
  • We don’t stop with containment and cleanup. Yes, getting the area decontaminated and cleaned is important, but you need to be able to recover as well.  Whatever damage was caused, we have a network of subcontractors to get your property restored as well. 
  • We work with the insurance company involved, and we’ll cover your deductible, up to $1,000 for a family.  We’ll make sure you get all the coverage you are entitled to.
  • Counseling services are available.  We know it’s important to get your property back in shape, but we’re also concerned about how YOU recover as well. We have certified crisis counselors available to help you get through this.

You shouldn’t have to go through recovery from an accident or trauma alone. We’re here to help when you need it most.

 

 

 

 

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It’s Cold & Flu Season: Tips to Stop the Spread of Germs

As a bio-hazard cleaning company, one of our primary goals is to stop the spread of germs on whatever project we’re working on.  That often involves use of industrial strength cleaners and our technicians generally wear protective hazmat suits.  But what about cleaning in your own home?  This flu season, you can use these tips to stop the spread of germs that can lead to colds and flu. Yes, germs are everywhere, and it’s very easy to come in contact with them. But there are things you can do to reduce your exposure.

Germ Transmission 101: How Cold & Flu Germs Get Spread

Sure, you and everyone in your family went out and got your flu shot, so your home is protected, right?  Wrong.  One reason colds and flu proliferate at this time of year is that germs are easily spread.  And while you might not contract an illness, you can be responsible for spreading those germs.  And unless you lock yourselves indoors all winter and don’t allow guests to enter, there are going to be germs. You carry them in from the outside, and they get spread around your home.

There are four main types of what we call germs

  • Bacteria (one cell microorganisms that can reproduce inside or outside the body)
  • Viruses (can only reproduce inside the living cell of a host)
  • Fungi (multi-celled, plant-like)
  • Protozoa (one-cell microorganisms that live in moist areas and are spread via water)

The amount of time each of these can live varies.  For example, viruses that cause colds can only survive a short amount of time on the exterior of your body, such as your hands. Some survive only moments, but the rhinoviruses – those responsible for colds – can live up to an hour. The same is true for viruses on hard surfaces. The average on a tissue is only 15 minutes.

Flu viruses are a little more resistant than those responsible for colds. They can live on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours.  But they may only last on a tissue for about 15 minutes, and in the air a couple of hours.  Some aggressive bacteria and viruses such as c. difficile and the norovirus can last for days, even weeks. In one study, c.diff was found to survive for 5 months on a hard surface. The best advice is to assume those little bugs are going to hang around for awhile unless you get rid of them.

How to Cut Down on the Spread of Germs

Here are some simple steps you can do to reduce the spread of germs this season:

  • The most effective thing you can do to stop the spread of cold and flu germs is to wash your hands – often and properly.  A simple water rinse isn’t enough.  Using soap and water whenever possible, wash your hands for as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. If soap and water isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your mucous membrane areas – eyes, nose, mouth.
  • Take steps to keep your immune system strong (good nutrition, adequate sleep, hydration, and exercise)
  • Be proactive with cleaning: Use a disinfectant spray or wipe that specifically is labeled as effective against cold and flu viruses.  Don’t like chemicals? A mix of hot water and vinegar has been shown to be effective.  (Chlorine bleach does not always work on germs involving organic matter, but the CDC says it is effective against cold and flu viruses.) Wear rubber gloves to reduce skin contact.
  • Allow cleaned surfaces to air dry; resist the urge to speed things up by wiping afterward with a paper towel. The disinfectant continues to work as it dries.
  • Eliminate damp areas, since germs often will multiple in moist conditions. That means things like clothing, bath towels, and dish-cleaning implements like dish scrubbers and wands.

And finally, if you are sick, stay home! It doesn’t do any good to go see your doctor for an antibiotic, because colds and flu are viruses and antibiotics don’t help.  Your clinic will appreciate it if  you keep your germs at home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Another Death from a Bacterial Infection Incurred During Post-Disaster Cleanup

It seems as the weeks go on, news reports surface of the dangers of yet another bacterial strain.  The latest is the death of a man who was cleaning up his North Carolina yard following Hurricane Florence.  Apparently the man sustained some scrapes or cuts in the cleanup process, which resulted in an infection. Heroic efforts were made to treat the infection, including amputation of his affected leg, but sadly he succumbed to the affliction and died.  (Click here to read the news article.)

And while here in Washington State we are not in danger of hurricane-related problems, it does raise the issue of just how dangerous exposure to bacteria can be.  Some bacteria can be inhaled, others are ingested, but the most common bacterial infections result in the same way this one did – from cuts or scrapes.  Bacteria then enter the bloodstream directly.  And while some are relatively harmless or slow-acting, others – like this one – spread quickly and are often fatal.

A second complicating factor here is the spread of contaminants via floodwaters, in this case from a severe tropical storm.  But water-borne bacteria can occur from such things as a septic system backup, a sewer main break, or even substantial rainfall that causes brief flooding.

As a biohazard cleanup company, we cannot over-stress the importance of wearing proper protective clothing when doing any type of cleanup where there is the slightest possibility of exposure to bacteria and other toxins.

When you are doing cleanup of a property, NEVER assume the contents are safe to deal with.  Pathogens are often unseen, and in a moment you can become exposed to something that can threaten your life. Instead, ALWAYS assume it is contaminated with toxins and act accordingly.  The safest (and wisest) thing may be to hire a toxic substance cleanup company like ours to handle things.

Our biohazard cleanup teams have been trained in the safe handling of potentially toxic substances, where protective gear, and follow set protocols for disposal of debris. If you’re faced with cleanup of your property following damage from water that may have been contaminated, please give us a call.  We offer biohazard cleanup and damage restoration services in the State of Washington and surrounding Pacific Northwest areas.

 

 

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