July 9, 2015
Transmission of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can occur in unusual ways. According to a recent study, approximately 30% of those infected with HBV have no idea how they contracted it in the first place. The only way to prevent HBV is to get the vaccine. However, unlike other diseases which are commonly vaccinated against […]
May 18, 2015
When deep cleaning our homes, why do we reach for bleach? Most of us have used bleach at one time or another, whether as a laundry aid or a household cleaner. Bleach is preferred because it is not only cheap and readily available, but considered very effective against the spread of bacteria. Our grandmothers swore […]
April 5, 2015
Over the past two weeks, we’ve examined some ways a homeowner can treat minor blood spills on a variety of surfaces (Part One and Part Two are located here). But with all the time and money required to perform proper cleanup and remediation, many homeowners and businesses find it easier to hire a certified and […]
March 31, 2015
Typically when a client calls Aftermath, the reason they require our services is less than pleasant. Occasionally, however, we get a request where the outcome of the situation is a positive one. Such was the case for one Massachusetts family. The customer’s pregnant wife gave birth in the family’s brand new car while on the […]
March 28, 2015
Last week, Aftermath discussed the difficult task of cleaning blood from carpet and other porous surfaces. This week we tackle the question of proper methods to remove blood or other bodily fluids from harder, more resistant surfaces. While these materials are designed to be easy to clean, disinfection requires some knowledge and planning. This article […]
March 20, 2015
As anyone who has spilled a drink on carpeting can tell you, carpet is tough to clean. Most buildings contain at least some amount of carpeting, which is why it is important to understand how to deal with spills, especially those involving biohazards like blood or other bodily fluids. Many of the procedures for cleaning […]
February 27, 2015
The use of tear gas has evolved quite a bit since its inception. This agent is now ubiquitously used by law enforcement professionals in a variety of circumstances, from dispersal of crowds to armed stand-offs and hostage situations. This short post will examine the history of the chemical, and how it has been employed over […]
February 24, 2015
When Parents Hoard, Children Are Often Left Picking Up the Pieces For children of hoarders, life at home can be a dismal undertaking. Not only is an overly cluttered home unpleasant to live in, it can also pose many health risks to inhabitants. This is especially true for children, who may be more susceptible to […]
February 12, 2015
Hoarding is a complicated yet fascinating mental disorder to many people, resulting in a number of interesting character studies related to the affliction. While most hoarders are hardly infamous, the following people found a certain notoriety thanks to their inability to keep clutter at bay. Edith Bouvier Beale and Edith Ewing Bouvier Proving that even […]
February 10, 2015
According to the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention, tear gas is prohibited from use during times of war. The reasons for this spanned from the agent being mistaken for deadlier compounds (such as sarin gas), as well as concerns about the damaging physical effects tear gas can have on people. Despite this pronouncement, tear gas is […]