When disaster strikes—whether due to an accident, trauma, unattended death, or hazardous contamination—your immediate concern is safety. But what many people don’t realize is that not all messes can or should be cleaned with regular cleaning supplies. Some situations require emergency biohazard cleanup services, and identifying those situations early can prevent serious health risks, legal consequences, and emotional trauma.
At 360 Hazardous Cleanup, we specialize in restoring environments that have been impacted by dangerous substances. From bloodborne pathogens to chemical spills, our trained technicians are available 24/7 to handle even the most challenging cleanup scenarios with care, compassion, and expertise.
In this blog, we’ll cover the top 5 signs you may need emergency biohazard cleanup services, and why calling the professionals quickly can make all the difference.
What Is Considered a Biohazard?
A biohazard is any biological substance that poses a threat to human health or the environment. This includes human blood, bodily fluids, tissues, animal waste, mold, and chemicals. The presence of these materials, especially after a traumatic event or exposure incident, can turn a home, business, or vehicle into a danger zone.
Cleaning these materials without the proper training, equipment, and protocols can lead to infection, illness, and cross-contamination.
Sign #1: There Has Been a Traumatic Event Involving Blood or Bodily Fluids
One of the clearest indicators that you need emergency biohazard cleanup is when a traumatic incident has occurred, such as:
- A suicide or attempted suicide
- A homicide or violent crime
- A serious injury with heavy blood loss
- A domestic accident with bodily fluids present
Blood and other bodily fluids are classified as biohazards because they can carry dangerous pathogens like HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and more. Even microscopic traces left behind can pose a threat. Over-the-counter cleaning products may not be enough to disinfect surfaces or porous materials like carpet, wood, or drywall.
Why Call a Professional:
At 360 Hazardous Cleanup, our technicians are trained in OSHA and EPA-compliant cleanup procedures. We use hospital-grade disinfectants and specialized tools to clean, sanitize, and restore the space, while respecting the emotional weight of the situation.
Sign #2: You’ve Discovered an Unattended Death
Unattended deaths (also known as undiscovered deaths) occur when a person passes away and is not found for hours, days, or even weeks. These situations are unfortunately more common than most people realize, especially among the elderly or those living alone.
When a body is not discovered quickly, the natural decomposition process begins, resulting in:
- Blood and fluid leakage
- Strong and pervasive odors
- Insect activity
- Contamination of flooring, walls, and furniture
This scenario presents both biological and environmental hazards, including airborne bacteria and lingering bio-contaminants that are impossible to fully remove without proper remediation.
Why Call a Professional:
Decomposition cleanup is not just unpleasant—it’s dangerous. Professionals like our team at 360 Hazardous Cleanup wear full PPE (personal protective equipment), contain the affected area, remove biohazards, and use ozone treatments or hydroxyl generators to eliminate odors and pathogens. We also handle disposal according to local health regulations.
Sign #3: Your Property Has Been Contaminated by Drug Paraphernalia or Fentanyl
If your property has been exposed to drug use, especially involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, or other synthetic opioids, you are dealing with more than a housekeeping issue. Drug residue can linger on surfaces and clothing, and in the case of fentanyl, even trace amounts can be lethal.
Scenarios include:
- Finding syringes, pipes, or paraphernalia
- Discovering a suspected drug lab
- Cleaning out a rental unit previously occupied by users
- First responders exposed to fentanyl or meth fumes
These substances may contaminate walls, floors, HVAC systems, and even the air. Exposure can cause respiratory distress, skin irritation, and, in serious cases, overdose from incidental contact.
Why Call a Professional:
Our certified drug cleanup crews assess the space using surface swabs, PPE, and air monitoring tools. We decontaminate and restore affected areas safely while removing and disposing of all hazardous materials legally and discreetly.
Sign #4: There’s a Major Sewage Backup or Rodent Infestation
Raw sewage and rodent infestations aren’t just disgusting—they are considered Level 3 biohazards due to the number of dangerous pathogens they carry. These include:
- E. coli
- Salmonella
- Listeria
- Hantavirus (found in rodent urine and droppings)
A sewage backup in your basement or crawlspace can seep into flooring, drywall, and even your foundation. Likewise, rodents can leave behind trails of feces, urine, and nesting materials that spread disease and damage structures.
Why Call a Professional:
Attempting to clean a sewage spill or infestation yourself can put you at risk for serious illness. Our team will isolate the contaminated zone, disinfect it thoroughly, and safely dispose of damaged materials. We also offer odor removal and structural drying services to prevent mold growth and long-term issues.
Sign #5: You’ve Experienced a Crime or Accident Scene on Your Property
Property owners may be surprised to learn that law enforcement does not clean up after a crime scene—that responsibility falls to the property owner or manager. If your property has been affected by:
- A shooting or assault
- A vehicular accident
- Vandalism or burglary involving blood
- Tear gas exposure
You will need a certified biohazard cleanup team to restore safety and habitability.
Tear gas, in particular, can linger in ductwork and carpeting, causing irritation to the eyes, skin, and lungs long after the event. Additionally, crime scenes may involve fingerprint powder, blood spatter, and broken glass, all of which require specialized remediation.
Why Call a Professional:
At 360 Hazardous Cleanup, we provide discreet, trauma-informed cleanup services for crime scenes and accidents. Our crews operate with respect for victims and property owners, often coordinating with insurance adjusters to ease the financial burden of restoration.
Why You Should Never DIY Biohazard Cleanup
While it may be tempting to try to clean up a biohazard on your own, doing so without proper training and equipment is extremely dangerous. Most household cleaners are not designed to kill the full spectrum of bacteria and viruses found in trauma scenes. Additionally, improper handling or disposal of biohazardous waste is a violation of local and federal laws, which could result in legal and financial consequences.
Professional biohazard companies like 360 Hazardous Cleanup:
- Use EPA-registered disinfectants
- Follow OSHA guidelines and health codes
- Wear advanced PPE to avoid contamination
- Remove, transport, and dispose of waste legally
- Provide documentation for insurance or legal purposes
Final Thoughts
Biohazard situations are unexpected, overwhelming, and often traumatic. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a death, a chemical spill, or a contaminated home, recognizing the signs that you need emergency cleanup services is the first step toward safety and recovery.
At 360 Hazardous Cleanup, we are available 24/7 to provide immediate, compassionate assistance during your time of need. Our trained professionals are ready to restore your space and protect your health—so you don’t have to face it alone.
