Have You Ever Wondered Which Body Fluids Constitute a Higher Risk for Being Biohazards?

Do you know which body fluids constitute a higher risk for being biohazards? Are you familiar with what a biohazard actually is? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines biohazards as any biological material that poses a potential threat to the health and safety of humans, animals, or the environment.

Body fluids which constitute a higher risk of containing potential biohazards include:

Human blood and blood products, including plasma, serum, and blood components.
Semen and vaginal secretions
Vomit or feces

The Risks of Biohazard Exposure

What makes exposure to these body fluids so risky? For one, blood and certain body fluids can be contaminated with bloodborne pathogens, infectious microorganisms that can cause disease in humans. Some common bloodborne pathogens found in human blood and body fluids include:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “HIV affects specific cells of the immune system, called CD4 cells, or T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease.” Once this happens, HIV leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Hepatitis B (HBV). HBV is an infection of the liver that causes 620,000 deaths worldwide each year. Contrary to popular belief, HBV is not the direct cause of liver damage. The presence of the virus triggers an immune response from the body that causes inflammation and can severely injure liver cells.
Hepatitis C (HCV). Similar to hepatitis B, HCV is an infection of the liver that usually produces no symptoms during its early stages. Unlike HBV, which can be prevented through a vaccination, HCV does not currently have a vaccination.

To prevent biohazard exposure, it is recommended that you always wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye protection, and face masks when handling another person’s blood or body fluids. OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard instructs people to treat all bodily fluids as if they were biohazards. If you find yourself in a situation that requires the cleanup of a blood spill that is larger than a dinner plate, reach out to a bioremediation company for help.

Since 1996, Aftermath has been an industry leader in bioremediation and trauma cleanup. Our team of technicians has handled blood cleanup, communicable disease decontamination, and specialty sanitization for thousands of crime scenes, hoarding situations, and contaminated buildings. Call one of our professional service technicians today.

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Sources:

https://www.osha.gov/
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/hepatitis_b/page2.htm#what_is_hepatitis
http://www.aftermath.com/contact-24-7-365/

Testimonials

"Exemplary Communication, Care, Attention to detail. This team deployed quickly to a biohazard situation, provided excellent advice and counsel, performed their work with integrity, and were instrumental when helping us with the insurance claim. A+++"

Randy N. - October 11, 2022

"From my initial contact with Jeanine to the final walk through with Jason, Tristan, Marquel and Fritz Aftermath services has been tremendously upfront, kind and compassionate after the death of my sister. During such a difficult time I never would have thought that I would walk away with five new friends. I am forever grateful."

Megan M. - October 10, 2022

"Aftermath Services Manager Christopher and his Assistant Manager Trainee Gabriel took care of my tenants (who was family) apartment swiftly. It was disgusting in there. Will be going back to this company if a situation arises like this in the future. Drive home safe guys and thank you for your hard work."

John I. - October 12, 2022

"I can not thank Cecily and Fernando enough for all the hard work and dedication they exerted to resolve our family crisis. Thank you both very much. You truly care about the families that you serve and it shows. "

Joseph T. - September 19, 2022

"Lacey and her team are amazing. We never experienced anything like this they walked us through process explained everything upfront even cost and went above and beyond. They were professional, compassionate and informative from minute they showed up even on a holiday. Sorry to say this hope I never need their services again but if we did Aftermath will be our 1st call. Thank you so much."

Patti B. - September 12, 2022

"The Pasadena Aftermath team did an outstanding job. Not only are they a remarkable team, they are also exceptional individuals. Over the course of the week that they were here, we got to know and trust them. They handled this unthinkable situation with grace, compassion, and the utmost respect for the victims. Words will never be able to truly capture the appreciation we have for them. When our world felt like it was hit with a tsunami, your team threw us a life preserver and told us that we will be okay again.The world needs more “Kevins”, “Jamies”, and “Hassens”, who will help lift the burden off of strangers who are facing their darkest days."

Ashlyn B. - September 5, 2022

"Sterling and Aurelia did much more than clean the scene. They were patient, kind, and very compassionate. They took good care of the property as if it was there own. Sterling and Aurelia communicated with us every step of the way. Their presence alone did much to contribute to the healing process. On top of all that, they did a fantastic job cleaning the house. To be honest, we hated to see them leave. Our family thank them both to the highest degree!!"

Tim F. - August 22, 2022