Author: bio

How To Remove Cat Urine From Carpet

Cleaning up cat urine is a task anyone would avoid if they could. However, if you have been given the chore of cleaning up cat urine— fear not. Experience in animal urine allows us to confidently guide you in effectively removing cat urine from the carpet.

But first, let it be known: cat urine can be very dangerous for your health. You can read more to learn why cat urine threatens your well-being and when to call a professional for help. However, unless you are in a cat or animal hoarding situation, chances are you’ve got this on your own.

Just remember to wear gloves and a mask. And play some music, too, to distract yourself from the nasty task at hand. 

Why Cat Pee Smells

Like most anything made of organic matter, cat urine has a decomposition process. The longer the urine has sat in the carpet, the more foul it may smell. After a while, bacteria in the cat urine begins to decompose. 

That ammonia smell? The smell that feels like acid on your nose? That smell is the bacteria in cat urine. When that smell becomes pungent, that means the cat urine has begun its decomposing process. While the cat pee reaches the second and third stages of its decomposition, it releases mercaptans — the crucial compound in what gives skunks their skunk-y smell. 

Male cats that have not been neutered will emit an extra smelly urine because they have hormones in their pee. The hormones add an extra layer of smell as the urine settles into the carpet and begins to grow stale. 

The longer that cat pee sits, the worse it will smell. So if you think the smell is already terrible, you better get to work before the stench becomes unbearable.

When Cat Pee is Dangerous

Cat urine has a ton of ammonia in it, and ammonia is a toxic gas that can really make things messy in your brain. Ammonia in cat urine is known to be the cause of headaches and bring about asthma attacks.

In some extreme cases of inhalation, feline pee can give people respiratory issues like pneumonia. People with weak immune systems (consider children, elderly people, those with immunity issues) pose a higher risk of infection from ammonia when exposed. 

Unfortunately, it gets worse.

Cat urine is notorious for causing roundworms. Roundworms are nasty little parasites that live inside of cat poop. Why are we mentioning this? Because if you are dealing with cat urine, chances are you might be picking up some cat poop, too. Roundworms like to burrow in cat poop and can move on to burrowing inside of humans, too. Roundworms can lead to diarrhea, weight loss, throwing up, and much more. 

If you are immuno-compromised and are exposed to excess cat urine and animal feces, hire professional help. The risk to your health is not worth it.

Now that we have probably grossed you out further than you already were, let’s get into the removal. 

Step 1

If the cat urine in the carpet is fresh, blot the mess with a towel. Make sure to get as much of the urine out of the carpet as possible by soaking up the urine with said towel. Apply pressure to the towel so that you can soak up urine that has settled on the backing of the carpet. 

Step 2

Rinse the area. Be meticulous with your rinsing. Make sure to use a fresh rag while you are rinsing out the area so that you are not circulating urine from the rag back into the carpet.

Tip: don’t use a steam cleaner, because heat may set the stain.


Step 3

Purchase an enzyme cleaner to douse the area with. If the enzyme cleaner you have selected comes in a spray bottle, open the spray bottle up and pour directly into the urine. You want to make sure you soak the area with enzyme cleaner— not just dust the top of the carpet with spray. 

Don’t be afraid of using too much product. Remember, cat urine is potent and strong. You will need to bring out the big guns for this one!

Step 4

After you have doused the area with enzyme cleaner, let the cleaner sit for a while. Consider about 10-20 minutes. When the cleaner has sat for the appropriate time period, soak the enzyme cleaner up with a fresh cloth. 

If you find that the area still smells after you’ve cleaned up the urine, repeat this process. You may have to repeat this process a few times for older stains that have decomposed for a long time. 

Alternatives

If you would prefer to use an all-natural solution rather than a store bought enzyme cleaner, you can use vinegar and water. Use equal parts vinegar and water in a bucket and use the same steps. 

Who Cleans Up a Suicide?

When someone takes their life, those who knew and loved them are nothing short of crushed. The last thing that anyone is thinking about is suicide cleanup. Most times people are in utter shock and then deep sorrowful sadness. Suicide can be prevented, and when it isn’t, it hurts beyond words.

Unfortunately, tasks like disinfecting the area and cleaning up remains/blood are important after such an event. Pathogens can infect others and cause harm to those left behind at the scene. Restoring a space to a safe condition is imperative.

And what is most unfortunate about this chore is that it is usually left to the family of the deceased or the owner of the home/apartment/business building to do. It’s an unthinkable thing to have to conquer on your own. Those who are put in this position usually call people like us— a professional biohazard remediation company.

Hiring a Suicide Cleanup Crew


A biohazard remediation company is a licensed organization of professionals with expertise in cleaning up biohazardous materials. Biohazardous materials include anything from chemicals, to sharp objects, to human remains and blood.

Some instances of suicide can be quite violent, with small particles of blood reaching in far places. When you hire a suicide cleanup crew, they will understand this and anticipate finding blood in interesting places. Licensed suicide cleanup crews know what to look for and what to expect. 

For instance, what might seem like a small mess of blood on carpet to an uneducated eye could very well be a threat to someone who knows the danger of pathogens. That small patch of blood could have seeped to the subfloor of the carpet and expanded to farther places underneath.

If that blood is left unattended and not cleaned up, serious illness can come from it. That’s why it’s incredibly important to hire a suicide clean up crew after a suicidal event.

But First, Compassion


When the BIOClean Team is called to a suicide cleanup, we practice discretion and professionalism in every step of the way. If loved ones are still on-scene after our arrival, we will first always express our deepest condolences.

The BioClean Team was founded by a nurse with more than 10 years of emergency room experience. Her goal is not just to provide fast, efficient and thorough biohazard cleanup services, but also to provide her clients with a dose of compassion.

She’s helped hundreds of people during some of the most emotionally trying times of their lives, and has trained her team to provide caring and compassionate services. It’s not just about the cleanup; it’s about providing some measure of comfort after a horrible tragedy has occurred.

Compassion is always important, but it is especially crucial in the first moments after losing a loved one to suicide. Suicide is devastating and unthinkable. We understand that seeing a cleanup crew come to clean up your loved one’s blood and remains can also be traumatizing in and of itself.

The Process

Next, we will ask everyone to clear the scene so that we can get to work. We will investigate the area and learn about the incident and how the event happened. Learning about what happened allows us to anticipate where we might find any biohazardous materials. 

We will then use special chemicals to disinfect and clean out the site. We will carefully thumb through and remove infected materials like carpets, rugs, cushions, furniture, etc. Removing these items ensures that there are no lingering pathogens after we leave the site

The specific chemicals we use not only disinfect any bacteria left behind, but also ultimately allows for the space to be habitable again by people and animals. 

We Can Help You

The BIOClean Team has helped thousands of people within the Los Angeles and southern California area, and we now serve Las Vegas as well. We work 24/7, 365 days a year. We pride ourselves on not only being the fastest to arrive, but for our professionalism as well.

The BIOClean Team are not only experts at suicide cleanup, but we are the most compassionate as well.

Since BioClean works with insurance, chances are that you won’t have to pay a dime. Please call us if you need help. Let us take this incredibly difficult burden off of your shoulders so that you can do what you need to do in the next moment.

Contact us today so that we can help.

Suicide Prevention & Resources

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, you are not alone. Please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255, and you can speak with a counselor at any time, night or day.

What To Get a Clean Freak for Christmas

Clean freaks are… particular. Let’s be honest about that. If you or someone you know takes cleanliness to a whole other level, then we are sure you agree with us. Clean freaks like their stuff and space to be germ-free, smell good and be spotless. 

And as The BIOClean Team, ‘germ-free’ and ‘spotless’ is our job.

When on-site, we utilize specific chemicals to disinfect a biohazardous area properly. But when we’re in our personal lives at home, or cleaning other kinds of messes, we might choose to use softer products instead.

Whether in our personal lives or on the job, we’ve used many different cleaning agents. Some of us prefer to use a more natural and gentle approach in our homes, while others are steadfast bleach users. One thing is for sure: The BIOClean Team are definitely the experts when it comes to getting things squeaky clean. 

Now back to the clean freak that you’re shopping for. 

What if he or she won’t settle for Bleach and Comet? What if the cleanest person in your life loves natural cleaners without the harsh chemicals? Or maybe it’s the opposite; they want to kill germs with fire, with the most acidic chemical they can find. 

Whatever their style, rest assured that we have the perfect Christmas gift for the germaphobe in your life — no matter the chemicals they like to use to kill bacteria. 

Air Freshners 

A clean freak loves to keep their home smelling lovely. Air fresheners come in all kinds of modalities, like plug-ins to spray bottles. Depending on their preference, your clean freak friend or loved one might like one over the other.



Natural Oil Diffusers

For some, a commercial plug-in air freshner is terrible. Since most regular plug-ins are made from artificial scents and chemicals, they can be harsh on the nose.

If your clean-freak-friend is one of those people, we highly recommend using an oil diffuser. You can purchase any oil diffuser on Amazon, Target, or wherever else you like to shop for home goods. A great price point for an oil diffuser is about $20-45 dollars. Make sure to pair the oil diffuser with something bright, like a citrus blend for that super-clean-smell. 

Plug Hub Warmer


Ever heard of a Plug Hub Warmer? These awesome plug ins warm up a scent that is evenly distributed throughout a space. It’s eco friendly, cruelty free, and made with zero toxic chemicals. Plug Hub Warmers are excellent for the clean freak in your life who has kids, pets, or is especially cautious about burning candles and the toxins they omit. If you’re looking to wow your all-natural friend, give them a Plug Hub Warmer. 

Grout Cleaner

Everyone has that friend who is unsettled unless their floors are clean. That same person is also the individual who looks forward to spring cleaning, or cleans when they are stressed out. If the cleanest person you know is one of these people, the following is for them.

As clean freaks ourselves, we find few tasks as satisfying as cleaning grout lines. Cleaning grout lines delivers an unmatched instant gratification. And we have a sneaking suspicion that your clean-freak-friend might feel the same way, too.

Drum roll please..

 

Battery-Powered Power Scrubber and Grout Brush Head 

Isn’t she beautiful? As all-things-squeaky-clean obsessed, this power brush is exciting.This power scrubber looks like a tooth brush, is easy to hold, and makes a noticeable difference quickly. The head of the brush can reach in corners, crevices, and weird shaped spaces. You can use the ‘pulse’ setting or the ‘continuous’ setting, depending on what is being cleaned. In short: it gets hard jobs done with ease.

Best part?  You can snag it on Amazon for less than $30. 

Sparkling Countertops 

Have you ever heard of Grove.co? Grove is a sustainable and natural product company that sells chemical free cleaning agents. Although you won’t find harsh chemicals in their products, your friend will notice how well they work and how good they smell.

Grove Countertop Cleaning Set

This bundle of cleaning goodness is bound to spark some holiday joy. The sturdy backing on the sponges are made of tough-as-nails walnut shells. The glass spray bottle is double walled and made to last, with a silicone sleeve to protect dings. The all-purpose cleaner comes in a 2 pack and lasts a long time. Snag this awesome gift set for only $18.95 on Grove.co. 

Shower Power

Cleaning showers can be quite tedious, even for those that love to put in the work to make it their bathroom shine. And although giving cleaning chemicals to a friend might seem weird, your clean freak buddy will thank you for this one.

 

Wet and Forget Shower

Give your friend or family member the gift of convenience with this wet and set shower cleaner. This shower cleaner is going to allow the debris and build up from showering break down while you clean it the next day. It’s a fantastic option for those who want a spotless bathroom space without the hassle of cleaning everyday. Perfect for busy people or those with kids. 

Pick up this little jug of magic online at Home Depot for $21. 

We hope this little list of goodies was helpful in helping you pick out the perfect gift for the clean freak in your life. Happy holidays! 

The Holidays and Life After Suicide Loss

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, available 24/7 at 800-273-8255, 

Life after suicide can feel impossible. Knowing someone you loved was hurting so deeply that they took their own life is crushing. Not only are you mourning the loss, but it’s common for survivors to contemplate what they could have done to save their person. This contemplation can seem life-long.

The holidays can often feel like a mirror, amplifying our loss back to us in our own reflection. Life seems to go on as it does — but your person isn’t here anymore, and life never got to carry on for them. The way things move forward on their own, without pause for the devastation, can feel cold and crass. 

Grief does not visit when it’s convenient and shows up unannounced all the time. And although everyone says this is normal, you might be wondering how a feeling so debilitating could ever be called ‘normal’.

You may feel like you just survived the hardest thing anyone has ever endured, but you are not alone. 

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is November 19th, 2022 — just days before Thanksgiving. This international day of remembrance was created for people who have lost a loved one to suicide. Losing someone to suicide is a very unique situation that can be hard for others to understand. Connecting with others who are going through the same experience, or similar, can help mourners cope with the loss. 

International Survivors of Suicide Loss was created by an organization called the American Association for Suicide Prevention. ASFP is an incredible resource for information regarding all things suicide prevention, loss, and community. If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one, we strongly urge you to lean on this organization for support.

Each year the organization holds events on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, in different cities. We’ve included a few below, but if your state isn’t included in our short list, check out the website for more information. Every state has a chapter and each state will hold an event.

San Diego, California
November 19th, 2022
8am – 12:30pm
Location: University of San Diego (USD), Joan B Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice
5555 Marian Way, San Diego, CA 92110

Las Vegas, Nevada
November 19, 2022
10am-12pm
Location: TBD

Tempe, Arizona
November 19, 2022
9am-1pm
Rio Salado College Conference Center
2323 W 14th St Tempe, Arizona

Globally, over 800,000 people lose their lives to suicide each year. That equates to around one person taking their own life every 40 seconds. Unfortunately, suicide is common—but the shock and loss felt by those left behind ripples through communities, relationships, and more. 

As if dealing with grief wasn’t enough, here come the holidays right around the corner. It’s supposed to be the ‘happiest time of the year’; but if you’re struggling to even get out of bed in the morning, it can easily become the most challenging time of the year.

The following tips might seem simple or redundant, but we hope you consider them. They are statistically proven to be helpful in giving your mind and body what they need to survive this time. 

Say No 

Grieving is a deeply chaotic time for the body, and ‘grief brain’ is a real thing. You might find that you walk into rooms with no idea why you came in the first place. Forgetting what you’re talking about, or forgetting important things are common. 

Sometimes grief will take precedence over things you want to do and spending time with people you love — and that is okay. If you are unable to do something (like meet friends for a holiday dinner or happy hour), just say no. Don’t force yourself to do things that you can’t do. Mourning bodies and brains need exponential care and softness.

Say no if you don’t have it in your tank. It’s okay to do so. People that love you will understand. 

Sleep Well

If you’re grieving, chances are you’re very sleepy—often. Your body is fighting to regain homeostasis, and loss shocks the system. Let yourself sleep if you need to. If you have children, lean on your community and ask for help so that you can nap. Do not feel guilt or shame if you can’t keep up with others right now.

Sleep is the number one way that our bodies get stronger and heal. Give yourself sleep, and don’t feel bad for how many hours you need. You may find that you can sleep well past 8+ hours. This is normal, this is necessary.

love and kindness concept, heart painted on frozen glass window

Have Grace

Life after suicide looks different for everyone.

Rage might appear in your life, anger, resentment, and deep sadness. There is no playbook or manual on how to deal with these things. This is not a normal situation. However you deal with your grief, is how you deal with your grief. Have grace for yourself and the way that you’re dealing with the insurmountable loss felt after suicide.

In our line of work, we see many families directly after the loss of a loved one. We witness their pain, confusion, and shock— and we show up with rolled up sleeves and a deep softness for their situation.

We witness their pain, confusion, and shock. The BioClean team meets each family with deep compassion and care, and cleaning up the unimaginable is our honor.

What is ‘Gross Filth’ Cleanup?

Gross filth cleanup is different from a hoarder cleanup situation for seceral different reasons. Gross filth results from left behind trash, feces, food waste, dirty dishes, etc.  This kind of extreme filth can occur for many different reasons. 

Consider a person being too sick or elderly to take care of themselves. Trash will accumulate—especially if said person cannot use the restroom alone anymore. Sometimes people die in their homes without anyone finding them for a while. Some of those people may have many animals in the home that are uncared for— leaving behind mass amounts of feces, urine, and debris behind.

It’s also common for this level of filth to occur in meth houses or transient spaces. And of course, places in extreme hoarding situations.

Cleaning up a gross filth scene is challenging and can feel incredibly distressing.

The amount of trash and filth that is considered to be a gross filth cleanup is an unbearable job for anyone. In most cases, the person tasked with cleaning up the filth is not the person who made the mess in the first place. 

It’s common for landlords to encounter gross filth when a tenant moves out of their apartment, for instance. The landlord has no idea that the tenants are living in filth, and when they move out, the landlord is shocked with what’s left behind. This is also a similar situation for investors or homeowners who have bought an abandoned property or a fixer-upper.

Family members of deceased loved ones are often faced with cleaning up a gross filth situation, too. Sometimes when people are sick, especially elderly people, they can no longer take care of themselves. In many cases, the sick individual does not alert their family or friends of the growing situation in their homes. And when they pass, their family members come into the home to organize their belongings, only to find a serious mess that they feel overwhelmed with cleaning.

Examples of ‘gross filth’ are: 

  • Excessive common household trash and debris building up over long periods of time without removal.
  • Pets urinating and defecating freely inside the home without cleanup.
  • Food laden plates or containers piled up in the sink, bathtub, and counters unwashed.
  • Unflushed, overflowing, or broken toilets and sinks.
  • Human waste in other areas of home or bathroom besides proper vesicles.
  • Mattress, couches, or other items soaked in urine, blood, or loose stool for a variety of reasons.
  • Light switches, walls, entryways, and door jams smeared with food waste, dirt, feces.

Many regular clean up companies, like housekeepers for instance, will not clean up a gross filth situation.

Why?

Because when filth goes to the extreme (feces, old food, animals, etc.), it becomes a biohazard. Housekeeping companies are not licensed to clean up biohazardous waste and do not have the tools to do so safely.

That’s where The BioClean Team comes in.

How is Gross Filth Cleanup Different From Hoarder Cleanup?

Hoarder cleanup is a different situation from gross filth cleanup. Hoarding is a mental illness that provokes people to constantly consume. You can read more about hoarding here.

Cleaning up a hoarders home requires compassion, patience, and understanding of the disorder. The BioTeam takes great care in helping a hoarder throw away their things and determine what items to keep. We will carefully comb through every item, throw away trash, and clean any areas of filth.

The goal of hoarding cleanup is to give the hoarder a fresh start and a clean space to live in again. Many times when we clean a hoarder’s home, the hoarder is still there. Hoarding is a serious mental health disorder that makes a person believe that “more” will make them feel safe.

People can hoard animals, things, or trash. It really depends on the individual.

Most items will be thrown out in a gross filth cleanup.

Carpet will be replaced, tile busted out, fresh drywall hung up again. Gross filth is often a situation where people can’t live in space until it is completely cleaned out and remediated of any biohazard threat.

Feces and urine from animals and humans alone is enough to qualify for a growth filth clean up. Cleaning spaces where meth or other drugs have been made is also considered a gross clean up situation. Make sure not to expose yourself to bodily fluids or mold, either. 

If you have a gross filth cleanup situation on your hands, please give us a call. Allow professionals with the education and appropriate gear handle the situation for you. Risking your health just isn’t worth it! 

Trauma Scene Cleanup: What You Should Do After A Death in Your Home

If someone has passed away in your home, specifically in a violent or bloody matter, you’ll need to hire a crew to conduct a trauma scene cleanup. Blood and human remains can leave behind biohazardous, bloodborne pathogens that must be cleaned up and disposed of appropriately. 

First and foremost, though, we want to acknowledge how absolutely harrowing this experience is. If you’re reading this because this has happened to you, know that our entire team sends our condolences and deep regards for your well-being.

Someone dying in your home, traumatically or not, is unimaginable. It’s something that no person wants to go through or experience, and witnessing this event can be psychologically traumatizing. If you are struggling with witnessing a violent or traumatic event, we strongly encourage you to lean on those you love and seek psychological support. Mental health matters— and you are not alone. 

The BioClean Team prioritizes compassion, discretion, and kindness above anything else. This is a non-negotiable for any company you hire to conduct a trauma scene cleanup, and we hope that you keep that in mind when searching for help.

Now, onto the blog. 

What is a Trauma Scene Clean-Up?

A trauma scene clean-up is a service conducted by licensed bioremediation professionals. The trauma scene cleanup takes place after the body has been removed by the coroner. If the person did not pass away but still left mass amounts of blood and bodily fluids behind, a biohazardous clean-up crew will still be necessary. 

It is a common misconception that EMTs or police officers clean up human remains, blood, or bodily fluids after traumatic events. Unfortunately, though, the job of cleaning up remains is left to family members, friends, or business owners if the tragedy took place inside of a business building.

If there is blood or human remains left behind, police will condone the space as a biohazardous area and will clear the scene in order to keep people safe. When the scene is cleared and the victim or person who was hurt is removed, police will then let you know when you can call a company to come in and clean the area. 

If you have just watched someone die, chances are that you’re not up to the task of sifting through the internet to find the right company to hire to clean up—and certainly not able to clean up what’s left behind on your own. It’s an unthinkable thing to expect someone to do after experiencing something so shocking and tragic. 

That’s where the BioClean Team comes in. 

Making Your Space Livable Again 

With extreme compassion for grieving family members and friends, we clear the area and begin to disinfect the scene. Our team will have proper PPE gear, chemicals for disinfection, and specific storage for contaminated objects to be disposed of at licensed facilities. We use layers of gloves and take other protective measures to ensure that our staff is safe. 

Hiring a bioremediation company like BioClean is the only way to ensure that your home can be livable again. When we perform a trauma scene cleanup,  we’ll remove any materials or objects that are contaminated with blood. We will also clean the interior of your home where the blood has made its way. This ensures your living spaces are clear of any lingering infectious diseases. This includes any splattering of blood, tracking, or dripping. 

When left behind, human blood can contain infectious organisms called bloodborne pathogens that can make people gravely ill. Some examples are HIV, Hepatitis B and C, MRSA (a bacteria that can’t be treated with antibiotics), and C. Difficulty. 

When are Trauma Scene Cleanups Necessary? 

If someone has lost lots of blood, human remains and tissues, and bodily fluids, you’ll need to hire a cleanup crew. As stated above, these materials are incredibly dangerous to your health and can cause life-threatening diseases if not disinfected properly. Possibly even death. 

The BIOClean Team offers services for the following traumatic events: 

  • Crime Scenes
  • Suicide
  • Homicides
  • Traumatic Accidents
  • Accidental Death
  • Undiscovered or Unattended Death 

Give The Bioclean Team a Call

We understand how tender these situations are, and would be honored to help you get through this incredibly difficult time. Not only will we make your personal space safe to live in again, but we will also offer deep compassion to those on the scene who are in shock or deeply grieving. Losing someone you love or witnessing someone else lose their life is one of the most traumatic things we can ever face. Let us help you bear a piece of the burden by making your home a place you can be in again.

Where Does the Biohazard Symbol Come From?

The biohazard symbol is the most recognized symbol in the world — and that’s by design. We’ve seen it everywhere, but how did that come to be? Read more to learn about who designed the symbol, why, and how the biohazard symbol keeps us safe today.

Who Created The Biohazard Symbol and Why

The biohazard symbol was designed with intention by Charles L. Baldwin, an environmental health engineer of Dow Chemicals, and Rovert S. Runkle of the NIH in 1966. It was created to be an international symbol—one that could be recognized by anyone in the world, no matter your background or what language you speak.

Baldwin, working in a facility with numerous hazardous substances, realized that not everyone in the facility understood what every symbol meant in the lab. He saw this as a problem and a barrier to keeping the public safe and informed. 

His drive to keep people safe is what inspired him to create a new, universal symbol that everyone could understand.

Instead of creating a different symbol for every chemical and hazard, Baldwin created a single symbol to avoid any further confusion. This one symbol allowed his coworkers and the rest of the world to recognize something as dangerous without having to understand the exact ingredients of the substance.

When we see the surgeon general’s warning label on cigarettes, we know that cigarettes are dangerous to our well-being. We don’t need to have knowledge of every ingredient and why it’s harmful.

The same goes for alcohol. We don’t need to understand every ingredient inside those items — knowing they are bad for you is reason enough to leave them alone.

The biohazard symbol acts as the same kind of warning. 

The biohazard symbol covers a lot of ground to convey a consistent message anyone from any part of the world can understand: danger.

The Biohazard Symbol Was Designed To Be Unforgettable 

Runkle and Baldwin wanted the symbol to be easily recognizable and unique. It was important to Baldwin and Runkle that this symbol be so specific that it could not be confused with another. The symbol was intended to be inclusive of any ethnic background. It also needed to be symmetrical so that any way you saw the symbol, it looked the same. 

Dow knew that creating a simple symbol that was easy to remember could potentially save lives. Dow took the task of creating the memorable symbol very seriously. Dow’s marketing team spent countless hours crafting several different symbols and finally conducted user testing.

In the survey groups, Dow presented several different well-known logos, and the unknown and newly formulated biohazard symbol. The idea was to gauge how familiar these logos and symbols were to the public. For obvious reasons, the survey group found the biohazard symbol as the least recognizable because the image was new to them. 

But that’s when something interesting happened.

The Biohazard Symbol Was Born 

Dow did the test once again a week later and found that after explaining the biohazard symbol just once, everyone in the group remembered its meaning and significance. 

Boom.

They found the winner.

Since the biohazard symbol is three-sided, there is no wrong way to append the symbol. The only rule to using the biohazard symbol is that there has to be enough contrast between the symbol and the background so that the image is impossible to miss. We often see biohazard signs with yellow backgrounds, but that is not mandatory to the design—it just causes more attention.

Examples of Biohazardous Substances the Symbol Signifies

  • Blood

The biohazard symbol is used to alert others of blood and human tissues that contain blood. Blood is dangerous because of the infectious properties pathogens can emit—making blood a biohazard to people and the environment.

  • Animal Waste

Dead animals and any materials that were exposed to animals carrying infectious pathogens. 

  • Microbiological Waste

Microbiological wastes are more prominent in scientific labs. These examples include specimen cultures, culture dishes, thrown-out viruses, and devices utilized for transferring or mixing cultures.

Unfixed human tissues (except for the skin) and other materials used for things like autopsies and human biopsies.

  • Sharps Waste

Needles, glass slides, and cover slides that are used to inspect blood on a microscope, scalpels, and IV tubing with the needle still attached at the end. 

It’s impossible to measure how many lives Baldwin and Runkle saved by creating this symbol. Not, it is a worldwide symbol that keeps people safe every day. 

Today, the symbol is a public domain, meaning that anyone can use the symbol on anything without charge or paying a royalty fee.  

If you’ve encountered any of the examples mentioned above and don’t know what to do, please give us a call. We’ll be happy to help you figure out the next steps and if it’s safe to clean up on your own. 

Why Animal Feces Removal Is Dangerous

Cleaning up after our pets each day poses very little threat to our health. But when conducting animal feces removal from a hoarder’s home or where animals may have been abandoned, the situation can become dangerous. Read below to learn how animal feces removal and urine removal can impose a risk to your health and the health of others.

Animal Feces Removal

Having canines comes with the job of cleaning up poop from time to time—it’s just a fact of life. Some might even say that it’s a small price to pay in comparison to the joy dogs bring to our lives. But when canine owners leave dog feces sitting for an extended period of time to accumulate, the situation can become a health risk to pets and the people who take care of them.

Diseases People Can Contract From Dog Feces

1. Campylobacteriosis

Ever heard of Campylobacteriosis? Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial disease humans can contract from dog poop, and it’s anything but pretty. This nasty disease includes symptoms like diarrhea, fever, extreme cramps, and pain in the abdominals. 

Campylobacteriosis generally lasts for a week, but for those with weaker immune systems, campylobacteriosis can last for much longer. Immunocompromised individuals can experience life-threatening infections if this bacterial disease makes its way to their bloodstream

2. E. coli

Much like campylobacteriosis, E. coli is a very real and potentially life-threatening bacteria that can cause mayhem in the body. Symptoms are synonymous with what one would experience with campylobacteriosis: nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. However, E. coli poses an even more serious infection for weakened immune systems and can end in death.

3. Salmonellosis

Did you know you can contract Salmonellosis from dog poop? Salmonella is not just a bacterial disease humans can contract from undercooked food. This nasty infection can be transmitted through animal feces as well, specifically dog poop.

4. Yersiniosis

Yersiniosis is another bacterial infection that is usually detected in the water. Never swim in water where animal feces may have contaminated the space. 

Unfortunately, it gets worse.

Tapeworm

Parasites

Among an array of especially disturbing parasites, tapeworms and roundworms are the most common cause for concern when it comes to dog poop. Roundworm makes its way into the human body where larvae can travel to the brain, heart, eyes, lungs, and kidneys. Roundworm larvae can also cause a person to lose their vision. 

While tapeworms won’t bring about blindness or infect your heart, they can still do an insurmountable amount of damage. Tapeworms like to seep into the human body through the skin, infecting their victims through the pores. Tapeworms like to attach to a person’s intestines and suck the nutrients from the tissues.

Cat Urine

If you have a cat, know a cat, or have ever spent time with a cat, you probably know that their urine smells foul. That foul-smelling odor is ammonia, which is a toxic gas that can make someone sick pretty quickly. When cat urine is not cleaned up, it solidifies, making the concentration of ammonia higher. That’s why cleaning up cat urine, especially urine that has sat for a long time is considered dangerous to your health. 

Cats are able to transmit a bacterial disease called Toxoplasma Gondii, which can cause severe to life-threatening health risks—especially for pregnant women. 

People who are not pregnant and do not have compromised immune systems usually experience Toxoplasma Gondii like they would the flu. Sore muscles, a headache, and swollen lymph nodes can last for weeks to months. Those with weaker immune systems, like pregnant women, endure much more serious and life-threatening symptoms. Pregnant women may experience miscarriages. Babies exposed to Toxoplasma can be born stillborn or with abnormally large or small heads.

When To Call Us

It’s important to know when you need the help of a professional and when you can take on the issue by yourself. If you consider cleaning up a hoarder’s home, or a place where animals have been left inside for long periods of time, don’t risk your health doing so. 

Without proper protection, removing animal feces and urine can cause life-threatening illnesses that don’t go away overnight. These bacterial diseases can diminish a person’s quality of life for a long time, or even potentially take a person’s life, depending on the exposure.

If you’re unsure of the right way to handle your animal waste problem, we invite you to give us a call. The BIOClean Team happily serves Southern California and Las Vegas.

 

 

When To Hire a Biohazard Cleanup Company

First Off, What Is a Biohazard Cleanup Company?

A biohazard cleanup company is an organization that removes biohazardous waste from commercial, industrial, and residential spaces. Biohazardous waste includes human body fluids, microbiological waste, sharps, pathological waste, and animal waste.

These types of waste are dangerous to people, animals, and the environment, which is why it’s important to know when you can clean up a situation on your own or when you need to hire a professional cleanup company. 

Biohazard Cleanup companies are trained and licensed professionals who understand different types of waste and what exactly to do with each kind of waste. The cleanup crew will enter the site of the space in protective gear, armed with the tools necessary to disinfect and clean the area affected. These individuals follow state rules and regulations in order to keep people safe and healthy.

Can You Clean up Animal Waste By Yourself?

We’ve all cleaned up after our pets at home, but when does animal waste become dangerous? In most instances, animal waste becomes dangerous in hoarder/animal hoarder situations and with poorly managed livestock.

When urine and feces accumulate in a hoarder’s home, they emit ammonia, bacteria, and viruses that can become airborne—making them unsafe to handle without the help of a biohazard cleanup crew.

In some extreme hoarding situations, dead animals can get lost in the home and those carcasses attract insects and rodents that carry diseases. Cleaning a hoarder’s home poses health risks on its own, and shouldn’t be done without the help of a professional cleanup team. However, if you’re cleaning a hoarder’s home and notice animal waste or animal body parts, you should call a licensed cleanup company immediately to handle the situation instead. 

Cat urine is especially dangerous.

Chances are that you’ve smelt the strong odor of cat pee before. This smell is a chemical called ammonia, and when cat urine sits for a long time, this chemical becomes concentrated. All feces and urine can transmit bacterial infections to humans, but cat urine is the culprit of Toxoplasma Gondii; a nasty disease that can cause pregnant women to experience miscarriages or give birth to stillborn babies. 

In short: if there are animal body parts, carcasses, an excessive accumulation of feces and urine, or contaminated animal bedding, you should call a cleanup company to do the dirty work for you!

Cleaning Up Blood And Bodily Fluids

It’s important to know when it’s safe to clean up blood and bodily fluids and when it’s not. If you’ve scratched your knee or cut your finger, you’re probably just fine to clean up the blood on your own. But things change when there is a traumatic accident to clean up. Traumatic accidents happen anywhere and everywhere humans are, which can make cleanup especially tricky. 

Blood is a biohazard because it may contain pathogens that can spread disease if not disinfected immediately, and correctly. When serious accidents take place, including anything from a crime scene to suicide, the blood left behind becomes a threat to public safety. 

Do not clean up traumatic events that include blood, human tissue, or body fluids by yourself. There is a life-threatening difference between cleaning up a scraped arm and cleaning up human remains and blood. Biohazard cleanup teams are trained and licensed through the state to do this kind of work for you.

This ensures others are safe from pathogen exposure, disease, and airborne illnesses.

When Mold Becomes Dangerous

Depending on where you live, mold can be common. But how do you know when it’s time to bring an expert in? Generally, if the moldy spot is 3 square feet or smaller, you can potentially take care of it yourself. If the mold is growing past those dimensions, though, it’s time to call in a biohazardous clean-up company.

Mold happens for a myriad of reasons, but one of those reasons can be a leak in your waterline somewhere. A water restoration company might be able to remedy the issue for you, but if not taken care of right away, the situation can grow into a very serious threat to your health. 

Symptoms from exposure to mold can take time to develop. Common symptoms range anywhere from asthma attacks to headaches, to difficulty breathing. Some side effects can last for a long time and can greatly affect your quality of life. 

If you see mold in your home, call a professional immediately to figure out what actions need to be taken. An expert will help you to decide what to do next, but in most cases, do not try to clean up mold on your own. It’s simply not worth the risk.

We’re the Biohazard Cleanup Team You Need

We pride ourselves on being the team you can call to handle the worst days of your life — and the most challenging tasks you’ve ever faced.  From traumatic accidents to sewage leaks, we’re the folks you can trust to get the job done. 

Contact us today for questions, concerns, and more information about your waste needs and how we can help. We’re here to help 24/7, 7 days a week.

Here at The BIOClean Team, we operate by one simple rule: service first.