Protecting Your Property

Tuesday April 17, 2007 - When a family experiences the loss of a loved one, many of the details of everyday life become cluttered between profound emotion and confusion. It is in this state of mind (unable to discern the need for credentials) wherein families are approached by cousins or fellow parishioners to "take care" of the cleanup associated with the biomatter in the home following the traumatic experience. This is an honorable offering, and has been until recently, the way things were handled prior to the genesis of the biotrauma® remediation industry.

With the advancement of technology and education regarding bloodborne pathogens, society is becoming progressively safer following the application of this knowledge to such scenarios as crime and trauma scene cleanup. Biotrauma remediation companies now exist typically at regional capacity to field these hazardous worksites with such technology as ultraviolet ozone generation to remove odors, protease enzyme solutions to remove blood from surfaces, and hospital grade disinfectants to successfully mitigate risks for contracting Hepatitis B, HIV, or any number of other hazards. Biotrauma® remediation technicians are trained in respiratory protection, the use of personal protective equipment, bloodborne pathogens, hazardous communitcation, and receive the proper vaccinations. Unfortunately, much of the public remains in the dark concerning the availability of these services and the resulting cleanup is performed by untrained personnel – be they carpet cleaners, relatives, or friends. This poses a health risk not only to the family who receives an improperly decontaminated property, but also to the workers who assume the unprotected role of janitor.

The good news is that all people intermingled with the local community (especially law enforcement) can fight this problem by maintaining awareness on the risks posed by bloodborne pathogens, and who is qualified to remediate the biologically hazardous waste associated with crime or trauma scenes. A simple referral to the phone or internet directory could save someone’s life.

About the Author: Ben Lichtenwalner is a Marine Corps Veteran having served in Iraq twice performing the duty of Mortuary Affairs. He now helps families domestically, through Biotrauma – a biotrauma® remediation operation servicing the southeastern US.

Back to News & Articles