Bodily fluids are an essential part of human health, but certain fluids also pose significant biohazard risks, especially in situations involving trauma or unattended death. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines biohazards as any biological material that presents a potential risk to human health. Here, we break down which bodily fluids pose the highest biohazard risks and the steps ServiceMaster BioClean takes to mitigate them safely.

High-Risk Biohazard Fluids

Some bodily fluids carry a higher risk of transmitting infectious diseases, such as HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV). When dealing with biohazards, it’s essential to recognize these high-risk fluids:

  • Blood and Blood Products: Blood is a primary carrier of bloodborne pathogens, including HIV and HBV. Even small amounts of blood pose health risks due to potential contamination with dangerous pathogens.
  • Semen and Vaginal Secretions: These fluids can carry sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, making them biohazardous if exposure occurs.
  • Vomit, Feces, and Urine: While these are commonly encountered bodily fluids, they can harbor harmful bacteria, viruses, and even bloodborne pathogens, especially if blood is present.

The Risks of Exposure

Direct contact with these bodily fluids without proper protection can lead to serious health risks. For example:

  • HIV: This virus compromises the immune system, reducing the body's ability to fend off infections. Even trace amounts in blood or bodily fluids can carry the virus.
  • Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV): Both viruses infect the liver and can cause severe health complications. HBV can be spread through blood, saliva, and other body fluids, while HCV is primarily bloodborne.

Given the serious health risks these fluids can carry, OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard mandates treating all bodily fluids as biohazards. This standard underscores the importance of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when in contact with bodily fluids, including gloves, masks, and eye protection.

How ServiceMaster BioClean Manages Biohazard Risks

For nearly two decades, ServiceMaster BioClean has been a leader in biohazard and trauma cleanup. Our technicians are specially trained to manage and remediate high-risk fluids, protecting families, property owners, and the environment. Here’s how we handle these dangerous materials safely:

  1. Containment and Cross-Contamination Prevention: We establish controlled zones at each cleanup site to prevent biohazardous materials from spreading to uncontaminated areas.
  2. Safe Removal and Disposal: ServiceMaster BioClean follows strict federal and local guidelines for the safe removal and disposal of biohazardous materials, using specialized containers to prevent contamination.
  3. Disinfection and ATP Testing: We disinfect all affected areas with hospital-grade disinfectants, then use ATP (adenosine triphosphate) fluorescence testing to verify that all pathogens have been eliminated.
  4. Odor Control: Our team uses professional-grade deodorizers to eliminate lingering odors, ensuring the area is restored to a clean, habitable state.

Why Call a Professional for Biohazard Cleanup?

Encountering biohazardous bodily fluids can be hazardous, especially when dealing with large spills or contaminated areas. Even trace amounts of these fluids can carry significant health risks. ServiceMaster BioClean’s biohazard cleanup specialists are trained to handle these dangers with compassion, professionalism, and discretion.

Our goal is to relieve families and property owners from the burden of managing hazardous cleanup, allowing them to focus on recovery. If you’re dealing with a situation that requires biohazard cleanup, ServiceMaster BioClean is here to help. Contact us 24/7 for safe, professional cleanup services.