Understanding the Risk of C diff. to our Aging Community
By now, everyone who is familiar with Bio-One of Tucson knows that we specialize in crime scene cleaning, hoarding remediation, mold mitigation, and general biohazard removal services. And yes, many times when working in these circumstances we do find it necessary to clean up blood, vomit, urine, and fecal matter. Some times this can be due to a traumatic event, but many times we are called out to assist to clean up messes that come from a medical issue.
It is said that the aging population of Tucson is the third-oldest population of all metro in the nation (PCOA, 2019). With one in four adults over the age of 60 we find ourselves as a community with a great resource of knowledge and experience in our older population. However, as we age we often find that our bodies may not always cooperate with us as they had in the past. Therefore the immune systems of our older generation may be more susceptible to contract bacterial or viral infections if proper precautions are not taken. One of the lesser known bacteria contagions is known as C. diff (Clostridiodes difficile) a bacteria germ that causes severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon (CDC, 2020). This bacteria infection can result in severe diarrhea, fever, stomach tenderness, loss of appetite, and nausea. These symptoms alone can sometimes be mistaken for a common upset stomach, but for our older population that may have mobility issues, and can not get to a rest room quickly this can quickly progress to a much more serious issue.
Spores from C. diff bacteria are passed in feces and spread by touch of food, surfaces, and objects when people who are infected do not wash their hands. These spores can persist in a room for weeks or months and if you touch a surface unknowingly infected with C. diff you may then unknowingly swallow the bacteria. The CDC reports, "that 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 diagnosed with healthcare associated C. diff infection die within 1 month" (CDC, 2020). Washing your hands and showering frequently can help to reduce the risk of exposure to C. diff however, if spores have already been released in the home due to an individuals inability to get to the restroom the risk of exposure for C. diff is high.
Due to the highly contagious nature of C. diff it is imperative that all fecal matter accidents be remediated immediately and with the proper precaution. At Bio-One of Tucson we have top-of-the-line chemicals, tools, and personal protective equipment capable of disinfecting the entire home quickly and effectively. Because C. diff is a bacterium transmitted by touch, many people are under the false impression that a home can be disinfectd simply by wiping hard surfaces with a bleach mixture. That may work for some surfaces, but we use high quality chemicals specifically designed to kill this bacteria, as well as a chemical fogging machine that reaches all the hard to reach surfaces in the home where bacteria may be hiding. This method is incredibly effective and allows our clients to return home to a fully disinfectd environment. If you, or someone you love, may be at risk of contracting C. diff due to fecal matter issues please contact Bio-One of Tucson at 520-771-5960 or www.bioonetucson.com for professional assistance in keeping your home healthy.
Responding to Unattended Death
What to remember when it matters
Jan 2021
Discovering an unattended death usually happens between loved ones or friends/neighbors. When this happens, it's both shocking and overwhelming. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, unattended death refers to a death that happens when no one is around. More often than not, the body remains undiscovered until several days or weeks have passed.
Usually, we hear news of unattended deaths of elderly people who lived alone and had no family members or acquaintances to check up on them regularly. Some unattended deaths turn out to be suicides or homicides. You may feel like you need to move the body or cleanup the area. Coming into contact with decomposition is not a safe option if you're not properly trained to do so.
Before acting on any of these natural responses we would urge you to take a breath and pause. Although it may be tempting to move or clean items it is best to leave the scene undisturbed and to contact your local police department and/or coroners office to advise of what has occurred. These officials will help you coordinate the removal of the body from the scene, however there may still be a need for additional cleaning after that has transpired.
Don't ever feel like you need to be the one to clean a death of a loved one. This can be an emotionally taxing task as well as dangerous if done incorrectly. To clean up the scene of an unattended death quickly, and safely, make sure you hire experienced professionals. Bio-One of Tucson follows strict safety guidelines and use industry-best tools and equipment to dispose of biohazards at the site of an unattended death. They’ll disinfect the affected area and restore it to as close as it can back to its original condition Bio-One of Tucson is certified and trained to take care of this for you. We are discreet, thorough, and compassionate. All of our technicians are trained to ensure that you receive the highest degree of sanitization and care during this time so that you can focus your energy in working through this difficult time.
We are always available 24/7/365 Contact www.bioonetucson.com or 520-771-5960 if you have any questions on what steps should take you will always reach a live person to help provide you answers.
In 2020 We All Learned to Dance
It has been said a million times this year, but 2020 has been an interesting year to say the least. As we usher out 2020 today and welcome 2021 with open arms it reminds me of the legendary Garth Brooks song The Dance:
“Looking back on the memory of… the time we shared ‘neath the stars above.
For a moment all the world was right, How could I have known that you’d ever say good bye.
And now, I’m glad I didn’t know. The way it all would end, the way it all would go.
Our lives, are better left to chance I could have missed the pain, but I’d have had to miss the dance.”
These lyrics resonate as I reflect on 2020 as a year in which we all needed to learn a new dance. As awkward as middle school students at their first school dance we crowded around the peripheral expanse of the metaphorical gym floor of Covid-19, looking around trying to see how we best learn how to move to this new song. Just as in those formative school dances we first found ourselves huddled with the few in the room that we were familiar with, tapping our feet to get the rhythm of what worked best. Then we began to have to cross the divide and gasp! talk with others that we may not have conversated with previously. Soon we found ourselves, all under the same stars, at properly socially distanced intervals figuring out the footwork and learning how to collectively move to the new music. By the end of the 2020 we now find that the circumstances of this dance caused pain, but has also allowed us to forge new partnerships across a vast variety of community partners.
Although today marks the end of 2020 it does not mark the end of this dance. The year 2020 has brought us pain in the form of losing family, friends, and seeing community businesses close doors. However, we have also witnessed the unparalleled synergy of our community working together. We have forged new dance partners and have learned new steps that have better prepared us all as we move into 2021. We have had the opportunity to partner with so many city officials, business owners, property managers, and homeowners throughout this year and move through the expanse of Covid-19 in tandem. We look forward to the day that this particular dance ends but we are grateful for each of the partners that the dance of 2020 brought us.
As we usher in 2021 we can still hear the music playing of Covid-19, and we are still here with our dancing shoes on. If you, or anyone you know, needs a dance partner for Covid-19 disinfection we at Bio-One of Tucson (520) 771-5960 stand ready to navigate the steps with you.
Steps to take to protect your business from Covid-19
As we find ourselves in the final days of 2020, we find ourselves maintaining the fragile balance of trying to keep our businesses open to the public while also protecting our teams and clients. Reported cases of Covid-19 continue to climb in our community. If you’ve had a confirmed case of COVID-19 in your business, we strongly recommend contacting Bio-One of Tucson for COVID-19 disinfection services. However, you may also need some guidance on what to do if one of your employees advises that they have received a positive test for Coronavirus.
Disinfecting Your Business From COVID-19
Under the OSHA General Duty requirements an employer will want to notify other employees that may have been exposed to the confirmed Covid-19 employee as soon as possible to reduce further risk of exposure. However, it is imperative that the employer does not release the name of the exposed employee to prevent potential privacy concerns.
If you believe that your business or home has been exposed to an active COVID-19 infected person we urge you to take the precautionary measures needed to mitigate the impact to the health and well-being of everyone involved. If you would like additional information on if a Covid-19 treatment is the right fit for your business, please contact Bio-One of Tucson at 520-771-5960 for additional information. Contact us today!
Animal Hoarding
and the mess it leaves behind
DEC 9, 2020
Imagine this scenario: Ms. X is a reclusive woman living alone with over twenty-five cats. Although in her heart she loves these animals and pictures herself a savior to the homeless cats in her community, she can’t quite keep up with all of the needs of the animals in her. Over time, the pet food containers, fecal matter, and urine accumulate into a truly hazardous living condition for herself and the cats. The condition of the animals begins to deteriorate as vaccinations are not administered and disease among the cats begins to transmit. A neighbor notes the issue and contacts animal control in concern for the animals. The animals are subsequently removed, and Ms. X is now left with an overwhelming home environment that is unhealthy to live in.
Scenes like the one described are much more prevalent in our community than many know. Animal hoarding, which is the excessive acquisition of more animals than could reasonably be adequately cared for by a person on a particular property is discovered frequently. The National Humane Society estimates that over 250,000 animals suffer and die due to animal hoarding on an annual basis. To many, it doesn’t make sense that a person would voluntarily take on the volume of animals found in animal hoarding situations, however, similar to standard hoarding disorders, animal hoarding is typically a manifestation of an underlying mental illness. Animal hoarding disorder has no defined predisposition to gender, age, socioeconomic backgrounds, and or city versus rural residents. Animal hoarding can also be exacerbated after a specific traumatic event or loss of a loved one in a person’s need to generate love or control within their environment.
As avid animal lovers, it can be an unconscious reaction to singularly focus on the ill treatment of the animals, and subsequently forget about the person involved. There is no question that it is imperative that the animals get the medical treatment they need and a safe place to call home as soon as the hoarding is discovered, but we also should remember that there is a hurting person involved in this scenario as well. Our position as a community could be to treat the person suffering from this mental condition with kindness while helping them to get the medical treatment and a safe place to call home as well. The urine and feces left behind in an animal hoard environment can result in a toxic environment for the person left behind.
Bio-One of Tucson specializes in the remediation of urine and feces decontamination. Our technicians provide discreet aide to help restore those in need in returning their environment back into a safe place for them to live. The restoration of the living environment can assist in decreased likelihood of relapse into animal hoarding tendencies once again. If you, or anyone you know, needs help with the remediation of animal urine and feces remediation in their home please contact Bio-One of Tucson for a free estimate of services. Our business model is to operate with intent to keep the dignity and respect of the client intact as we help to restore their home to a healthy environment. Contact us today at (520) 771-5960 or www.bioonetucson.com.
Mental Health Awareness
during the holidays
December 2020
As we venture into the final month of 2020 many of us are releasing a well deserved sigh of gratitude for the year to be finished, but for many this holiday season can be a time of increased stress and anxiety. Compound this with the added financial, emotional, and relationship stresses that have evolved from the pandemic of Covid-19 this is a time to be vigilant in our awareness of our own mental health, and those of our loved ones.
The period of time around the holidays are typically a time of high stress and anxiety for many. Over 60% of adults report elevated levels of stress and anxiety during this period of time. The pressures of holiday festivities that are supposed to bring joy can also be triggers for overwhelming emotion. As such, we implore everyone to take measure of their mental health needs during this time, and work through them as needed. As our line of business puts us front and center with the residual effects of what impacts families from depression and suicide we are special advocates to make sure that everyone is taking measure of their own mental health and those of their loved ones during this time. Some particular things to take notice of are:
Self isolating behaviors. If you are noticing that you are distancing yourself, or if a loved one is distancing themselves from others on a continued basis, this may be a sign to check in and ensure that they are doing alright. Feeling lonely and isolated is at an all time high right now in our community as many do not have the ability to be surrounded by the family or friends that they would like to be. However, there are measures we can take to connect. Utilizing virtual communications through Zoom, Whatsapp, or other technologies can help us utilize both the senses of sight and sound to connect with our loved ones and feel less isolated. Take this opportunity to host a virtual holiday gathering, or as an employee use this time to host a virtual appreciation event for your team. Those that close to you want to feel connected, now more than ever.
Acknowledge and give validation to the feelings that you are experiencing. Just because it is the "happiest time of year" does not mean to you have to feel perpetually happy. It is healthy to acknowledge and understand where our feelings are originating from, especially when they may lead down darker roads. If you find yourself needing additional support, please reach out and talk to a licensed therapist or support line. Many are now available via virtual communications to help talk through road blocks that may be erupting in your life.
Give yourself a pass on gift giving. Many times the holidays are a time where we show our love through the act of giving gifts. We tend to forget that there are other languages of love around this time of year. Right now more than ever, many families are experiencing a tighter financial state than in years before. Gifts do not have to be expensive to be meaningful. Getting creative in your gift giving is not only a sign of how much you care for someone, but is also alleviates financial stressors on your checkbook. Creating a gift that is uniquely from your singular talents, not only celebrates the unique joy that you bring to this world, but also communicates how much you care for the recipient.
Bio-One of Tucson is here to help if any family experiences the worst, however, it is our goal to make sure that we are the company that you never have to call. For more information visit our website at www.bioonetucson.com. Our motto is "Help First, Business Second," and our community and the people that are part of it always come first.
When Fievel Goes West He leaves a Mess
Why Rat and Mice Feces are Dangerous to your health
Nov. 2020
Fievel was a beloved mouse in a beloved animated movie about a mouse that adventures west, however, in real life when mice and rodents venture out west to our homes it can create specific concerns.
Rodents, such as rats and mice, leave behind fecal matter that can transmit bacteria, contaminate food, cause allergic reactions, and can transmit diseases to humans. As temperatures begin to drop we see an influx of people in our community having to deal with mice or packrats looking to seek warmer accommodations. These unwelcomed house guests create nests in an effort to find a warm place to shelter for the winter months. Many times they find access to shelter in garages, sheds, and in basements or attics. Many folks believe that the extermination of the rodents will be enough to eradicate the problem. However, if the fecal matter left behind from the rodents is not also remediated you may have additional cause for concern.
Rodent droppings can spread several types of diseases. Including but not limited to:
Rat-Bite Fever - Potentially fatal infectious disease spread by infected rodents and the consumption of food contaminated by rodents.
Salmonellosis- is a type of food poisoning spread by rodent droppings particularly in contaminated food stores.
Bubonic Plague- spread by the bite of an infected rodent flea. Can cause fever, head ache, and painfully inflamed lymph nodes.
Hantavirus- Potentially life threatening disease passed through the inhalation of rat urine, droppings, or saliva.
Dealing with unwanted houseguests is never a joy. However, if you find yourself with the resulting mess left behind by rodents or mice please give Bio-One of Tucson a call at 520-771-5960 or visit us at www.bioonetucson.com so that we can provide you a free estimate to ensure your living space is safe and healthy.
Should Your Housekeeper Handle your Blood Spill?
When a blood spill or other biohazard event occurs it may be tempting to clean the spill up yourself, or to hire a standard housekeeping service to do the cleaning for you. However, it is important to understand that these types of events may expose you or your family members to bloodborne pathogens.
Bloodborne pathogens are microscopic organisms that are infectious and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens can contain dangerous diseases including but not limited to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and MRSA. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that blood clean up, and other regulated wastes that may contain blood be disposed of in a way that protects the family, the custodian, and the environment.
The procedures to dispose of these hazards is much more detailed than having a standard housekeeping service clean up the mess. To make sure that everyone involved is protected there are some questions you should ask when preparing to clean up a biohazard that may contain blood.
1. Is the custodian bloodborne pathogen certified? OSHA requires that those that are responsible to properly dispose of bloodborne pathogens be certified annually. It is important to ask if the technician being dispatched to your home is certified in bloodborne pathogen controls and proper disposal procedures.
2. Is the company certified to transport and dispose of biohazardous waste? Inquire of the company if they are legally able to transport and dispose of the biohazardous waste. Ask what type of container the biohazard will be taken away in. There are certain requirements that a certified company will have in place to make sure that biohazardous waste is marked and disposed of at a certified facility.
3. What protective equipment will be used by the company that will be dispatched to your clean up? To eliminate and properly disinfect an area from bloodborne pathogens it is important that the technician on site wears and operates the required personal protective equipment in a way that protects themselves, and eliminates cross contamination of the area that was potentially exposed to bloodborne pathogens.
The desire to want to quickly clean up a blood spill is understandable, however, without asking the necessary questions you may risk exposure to yourself, your family, or others of bloodborne pathogens. Bio-One of Tucson technicians are certified in Bloodborne pathogen training, they are certified to legally transport and dispose of the hazardous material, and they are equipped with top of the line personal property equipment to make sure every effort is made to maintain the safety of everyone involved. If you need a free estimate for biohazardous removal services please contact our office at (520) 771-5960 today.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. According to a CDC survey 20 Americans experience intimate partner physical abuse every minute in the United States. This equates to approximately 10,000 victims each year, and these are just the numbers of reported cases. However, we know there are thousands of silent stories that go untold and are not reported upon each year.
Unless experienced, to adequately explain the fear and shame that can surround those that find themselves in the position of living in these conditions from the person that they thought loved them can be difficult. When found in this position the opposing emotions of loyalty, shame, and self-preservation can compete in a way that makes clear thinking incredibly difficult. Additionally, for partners that have children and/or shared finances together the ability to leave and find safety is not always an easy path. Furthermore, Domestic Violence is not always physical, and the comprehension of the resulting impacts of emotional, sexual, economic, and mental abuse are sometimes not as widely accepted. Domestic Violence is a pattern of abusive behavior that surpasses boundaries of socioeconomic lines, race, sexual orientation, and/or gender. It permeates into our society at every level, and the resulting damages remain imprinted on the generations that remain.
If you know of someone that is experiencing Domestic Violence the first thing you can do is be a safe place for them to be able to share their story. When you make yourself available as a safe harbor you may need to approach with the understanding that they need a listening ear, but may also not yet be ready to leave their situation. This will require having composure to offer the victims unconditional support as they work through the feelings of finding an appropriate solution.
Secondly, you can provide them access to resources. Emerge Center is the largest domestic abuse shelter in Southern Arizona and can be reached at www.emergecenter.org.
Bio-One of Tucson advocates for the education and awareness of Domestic Violence in our community as we see the unfortunate circumstances that can result. We specialize in crime scene and trauma clean up, and have held the hands of those that have been affected in these situations. We encourage all of our Tucson community to be a voice to end Domestic Violence, and to stand in solidarity with the victims as a safe haven of support.
Hoarding and Fire Hazards
On a recent episode of Hoarders on A&E the spotlight was shone on how hoarding situations can quickly become life threatening situations. A fire ignited in the home of Laura due to stacks of newspapers and cooking oil positioned around the kitchen oven, and someone unknowingly engaging the burner on top of the oven that was surrounded by clutter. Thankfully, this fire was able to be quickly extinguished, but if a fire had occurred when less people were present in the home the potential of the danger could have been much greater. The flames could have quickly overcome the structure of the home and any occupants inside. This example gives us a moment to highlight some of the concerns for hoarding homes, and the loved ones that live inside that can sometimes be overlooked.
Hoarding is a compulsive disorder that many times accumulates into the cumulation of large piles of debris within a home. This can create several fire hazards for the occupants of the home:
· Buried surge protectors and/other engaged electrical sockets surrounded by paper and debris
· Sparks from older or faulty electrical appliances that may be plugged in nearby debris
· Papers and other flammable items positioned around areas of open flame or atop stoves
· Frayed or chewed electrical cords due to vermin
· Clothes or fabric atop of lamps, space heaters, or radiators
· Smoking cigarettes in ashtrays near flammable materials
Homes affected by hoarding can pose significant fire hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Association, homes that have hoarding situations can pose significant threat to not only the occupants of the home but to the first responders who are brought on scene to extinguish the flames. Many times homes in this condition have windows and doors that are not easily accessible or that may be blocked The amount of fuel a fire may have in these conditions may allow a fire to become large and difficult to attack as the amount of paper, boxes, and other items for the fire to consume are readily available. Additionally, with blocked areas of access fire fighters may not be able to easily bring in the necessary equipment to combat fires quickly which pose a risk for not only the homeowners that may be inside, but the first responders, and the neighbors of those that live next to these homes. Due to these reasons many fire professionals across the nation are providing additional training to their teams to learn how to best react to fires within homes affected by hoarding.
Bio-One of Tucson is committed to serving our community to help prevent the catastrophic loss that could occur from a hoarding related fire by helping reduce hoarding on the front end. If you, or someone you know is struggling with hoarding, please contact us at 520-771-5960 for a free estimate of services so that we can help prevent unimaginable loss.
