Mold and Your Home
Living in Arizona does not mean you don't have to worry about Mold
July 20, 2020 by Amanda Perkins
With a naturally desert dry climate some Arizonians may not feel the need to worry about mold related damages and health concerns. However, mold spores are around us everyday, and will increase as we enter monsoon months because the moisture in our climate will increase. This is why it's important that you know how to respond if you encounter a mold issue.
What is Mold?
Mold is a microscopic spore which travels in the air, and plays a much needed role in nature to breakdown dead plants and trees. However, when those airborne spores float into our homes and businesses it can cause damage to our property and endanger our health.
Although, we live and work in a naturally dry climate mold can still grow when we aren't keeping a close eye on areas where it can easily develop. To help prevent a bigger problem make sure to keep an eye on any of the following:
*Roof leaks (Especially during peak Monsoon months)
*Improperly vented clothing dryers
*Any small dark spaces such as Crawl Spaces, attics, etc.
*Plumbing Leaks
*HVAC Leaks
*Cooking Steam
*Overuse of Humidifiers
*Overwatering Plant beds or faulty soaker hoses
In order for mold to grow there must be three key elements present. There has to be a food source for the mold. This can be items such as leaves, wood, paper, and drywall. The nutrient combined with the airborne mold spores will then need both a dark space with consistent moisture levels to begin the mold growth cycle. This is why it is important to keep an eye on the above likely areas mold could infiltrate and develop.
If you see a small area of mold you can dry the area within 24-48 hours and wipe the area down with detergent and water. However, if you see a large area of mold and/or mold that is black in color, or mold that has grown inside of the walls, you will need to contact a professional mold remediation company such as Bio-One Tucson.
According to the EPA, mold can have dangerous impacts on your health if left without remediation. These health concerns include but are not limited to severe allergies, asthma attacks, skin rashes, and other severe respiratory complaints. It can even go as far as to digress into pneumonia. (Mayoclinic) In order to prevent the spread of mold in your home the EPA recommends a moisture level of 30-60% by reducing indoor humidity.
Dr. Michelle Neil-Sherwood of the Function Medical Institute advised that the 11 signs of possible mold related illness could be identified as:
1. Brain Fog, Memory Problems, Trouble Focusing & Headaches
2. Fatigue and Weakness
3. Unexplained Muscle Cramping, Aches and Pains in Joints, and Persistent Nerve Pain
4. Numbness and Tingling
5. Eye Problems (red eye/light sensitivity)
6. Asthma and Sinus problems (persistent cough/shortness of breath)
7. Tremors and Vertigo
8. Digestive issues (Diarrhea, Nausea, Abdominal Pain)
9. Metallic Taste in Mouth
10. Night Sweats
11.Excessive thirst/Increase in Urination
Dr. Neil-Sherwood advises that it can not only be the food we eat but also the air we breath that can make us sick. To learn more read her article here.
If you or anyone you know is needing help with mold remediation Bio-One of Tucson is here to help you. Contact us at www.bioonetucson.com to schedule a free mold remediation estimate.
SEP 01, 2017 by PAUL MARVEL
Tonight Bio-One of Tucson received a phone call in the middle of the night from a mother who had just lost her adult aged son to suicide. He had lost his job due to the Covid-19 pandemic weeks ago and was silently struggling. Her story was tragic and unfortunately not unique, and when I was finished helping her schedule for us to provide immediate Biohazard services I hung up with tears in my eyes. Not only had she lost a son, but she also was facing the challenge of how to afford to pay for the services she needed to clean up the area left behind, and plan a funeral. It was heartbreaking, and a story that I had heard multiples times this past week from a wide range of our Tucson community. Mental Health affects all of us in this community, regardless of socio-economic status, ethnicity, orientation, or age.
Mental health professionals around the globe have expressed how the social isolation, economic and medial stress, and the barriers to in-person mental health care created by the current pandemic can cause "the perfect storm" when it comes to mental health. The Journal of American Medical Association wrote an an article that detailed the stressors that can be significant during this time https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/12/coronavirus-crisis-creates-perfect-storm-for-suicide-risk-as-job-losses-soar-and-people-remain-isolated-at-home.html
Therefore I felt the imperative need to reach out to you and let you know that right now, more than ever it is important to check on those in your immediate circle of influence and reassure them that they are not alone. Check on your friends and family frequently, send cards to those isolated in nursing homes that can no longer have visitors, teleconference those that can not travel... you can make an impact on your circle.
Bio-One of Tucson provides the type of services that we hope our community homeowners and business owners never need to call us for. However, with our current environment, the number of active Corona Virus cases continues to increase along side the increasing number of unattended deaths occurring in the Tucson area. These circumstances cause individuals and businesses alike to face the need to be able to find affordable remediation solutions, and we are here to help you work through those challenges.
What Solutions Can I Communicate to Someone Who Experiences an Unattended Death?
Bio-One of Tucson experts strictly adhere to the to the stringent OSHA and CDC regulations surrounding the decontamination of and removal of biohazardous waste. When there is a large loss of blood or human decomposition it is especially imperative that these guidelines are followed stringently to properly disinfect the area and prevent further health risks to the surviving family, friends, and the public that may interact in those areas in the future.
When it comes to these services unfortunately the majority of the clean up costs are the burden of the homeowners or business owners. However, what many are unaware of is that for unattended death most Homeowners Insurance policies provide some type of of coverage. We urge you to call your insurance carrier and ask what coverages your policy provides to see if it might help ease that financial burden. Bio-One of Tucson is well experienced in working with insurance carriers to determine coverage, and is happy to work with homeowners to help identify what coverage they may be entitled too in order to help alleviate costs.
For those services that are not widely covered by insurance carriers such as Covid-19 disinfection services we can help provide third party financing options to help you afford what needs to be done to keep you safe.
We believe in the enormous heart of our Tucson community and their desire to take care of their families, friends, employees and the public. However, none of us planned for this pandemic, or can plan for an unattended death in our circle. These situations can be unexpected, and it's our aim to help provide resources to assist in navigating unchartered waters. If you, or someone you know, needs help answering these questions please give us a call at 520-771-5960 24 hours a day. We are here to help.
How To Find COVID-19 Disinfection Services
What To Look For
May 16, 2020 by David Scott
It’s happened at schools, stores and offices, warehouses and city halls: Someone who might be infected with the coronavirus passes through.
The building often closes. Then come the calming words: deep cleaning.
The idea is that a thorough cleaning and disinfecting could help prevent people from getting sick. The virus is spread mainly through person-to-person contact, though people can also catch it from droplets exhaled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Those droplets can stick to surfaces, and the virus can survive for hours or days, according to health officials.
A deep clean is supposed to kill it.
The term sounds official, but it isn’t. It has no standardized definition. It is imperative to make sure you are hiring a licensed, experienced company.
Bio-One of Tucson has extensive experience with infectious disease decontamination and disinfecting cleaning. We have been trained how to decontaminate a scene with infectious disease present, have the proper chemicals that are EPA approved and have the proper PPE to ensure not only the safety of themselves, but also to minimize possible cross contamination. Many other companies may claim this, but many cannot deliver.
A few things to ask a company you are considering hiring;
1. What chemical will they be using and is it EPA approved for coronavirus,
2. You need to see their certificate of insurance (COI),
3. Ask them what other types of infectious diseases and virus they have worked with and when.
4. What PPE does their technicians wear?
5. Are they following OSHA Standards regarding COVID-19?
If they cannot provide these items, they are not qualified to even be considered to do the work.
Now, how do you know when to make that call? If you, someone that lives with you or someone you came into contact with tested positive for coronavirus, make that call. Disinfection services after a virus is confirmed is very detailed and thorough and should be done by a professional. Special chemicals, equipment and PPE are needed to ensure the best possible result and minimize the potential spreading of the virus.
If no one has tested positive, you can use one of the EPA approved products to do some disinfecting on your own. However, if you are not confident in your ability to disinfect properly or would like a professional to do it, call a professional. Bio-One has been preforming many proactive decontamination services for many people and businesses.
No matter what the situation, know that there is help available to you and your family. Professionals, such as Bio-One, are available around the clock to ease your mind and help you feel safe in your home again. Don't hesitate to call or email us with any questions or a complementary plan for disinfecting cleaning.
Disinfecting Your Business
From COVID-19
June 11, 2020 by David Scott
It is totally understandable to be skeptical about COVID-19 right now. As the world has practically shut down preventing its spread, it’s more on our minds than ever. If you’ve had a confirmed case of COVID-19 in your business, we strongly recommend contacting Bio-One of Tuscon for COVID-19 disinfecting services. But, if you’re unsure whether you’ve been exposed and you just want to be safe, it’s good to know how to disinfect your business of COVID-19, if it were hypothetically present.
Hard Surfaces: COVID-19 has the ability to survive on hard surfaces for a few hours to a few days, depending on the object. If you suspect COVID-19 is in your building, clean hard surfaces with soap and hot water. After you’ve washed and rinsed the surface, apply a household disinfectant. There is a list of EPA-registered household disinfectants that will wipe out COVID-19, courtesy of the CDC.
Soft Items: COVID-19 doesn’t survive as long on soft items such as cushions or couches, but there’s still a risk you could catch it. For these items, wash them thoroughly with soap and water. Afterward, it’s important to launder them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Given that some items are machine washable and others aren’t, the process will be different for every single item. Finally, just like hard surfaces, apply disinfectant after it has been laundered, to ensure that any remaining COVID-19 molecules are effectively dealt with.
Laundry: Given that laundry is thoroughly washed with soap in the machine, the best way to disinfect your clothes is to wash it the same way you would normally. Put it in the machine wash and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally speaking, COVID-19 doesn’t like hot temperatures, so stick with warmer water if it’s an option. Finally, make sure you’re disinfecting your clothes hampers on a regular basis. If you supply your workers with any kind of clothing, be it aprons, gloves, or a full uniform, you’ll want to launder it correctly.
Phones and Electronics: Given how much we handle our smartphones every day, it’s important to keep them clean. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on keeping your device clean. If there is no official information, use wipes with 70% alcohol. Be very gentle in your application, because water damage could ruin your phone, and be sure to dry it completely after wiping it down. The same advice applies to most other electronics, which is important if you own an office space. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, and when in doubt, use wipes that won’t overwhelm the object with water.
The instructions above should be considered as preventative maintenance measures. In reality, if you’re positive that your business has been exposed to COVID-19, the best thing you can do is call Bio-One of Tucson for COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting services. It’s one thing to take precautions, but if you’re absolutely sure your building has been infected, it’s not something you want to leave to chance — we’ll make sure that you’re safe and sound. Contact us today!
Here's How Long COVID-19
Lives On Surfaces - Bio-One of Tucson
May 27, 2020 by David Scott
Presently, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your business is safe from COVID-19. If we all do our part in social distancing, staying clean, and disinfecting our buildings, the sooner things can get back to normal.
Only, this can be a difficult prospect, given that COVID-19 can be spread by people who don’t show symptoms. Furthermore, the virus can dwell on certain hard surfaces for a few hours up to a few days. While we strongly recommend that you call us for professional COVID-19 cleaning services if your building has verifiably been exposed, it’s also wise to clean your business as if it were present, just as a precautionary measure.
For that reason, it’s important to know how long COVID-19 lasts on basic surfaces. As the time of this blog post’s writing, this is what the current evidence suggests:
Copper Surfaces - 4 Hours: Fortunately, most businesses aren’t exactly filled with copper surfaces, but if you do have any, be wary if people have recently touched them. The virus purportedly survives for about four hours or so on copper. Keep copper surfaces clean if they’re in a situation where they’re frequently being used.
Cardboard - 24 Hours: For many businesses, cardboard boxes are a regular part of the job. So, be wary. The virus can survive for 24 hours on any box. You’ll want to make sure you know where every box has been, and where it came from. Take extra caution around boxes, because it’s impossible to know if their previous handler was exposed.
Plastic and Stainless Steel - 3 Days: This statistic is dangerous because the average American business is loaded with plastic and stainless steel. The former is used for just about everything, and the latter is a very popular choice in the kitchen. Be extra diligent about disinfecting these items, because they could harbor the virus from a visitor who came over as far back as three days ago. Since plastic and stainless steel objects are usually the types of items that are handled frequently, be on your guard and keep disinfectant close.
Wood - 4 Days: Wood may be fairly prominent in your commercial building. Refrigerator handles, cupboards, doors — all of these things are often made with wood, and they’re all items that are frequently touched. Because COVID-19 can last a whopping four days on wood don’t neglect your cleaning and disinfecting duties.
Glass - 5 Days: Glass is the most vulnerable surface to prolonged COVID-19 exposure. The virus can purportedly last up to five days! Keep your windows clean, wash your dishes, and disinfect your smartphone on a regular basis. And of course, advise visitors not to handle glass items unless it’s absolutely necessary.
It can be understandably daunting to keep all of these surfaces clean on a regular basis — it’s undoubtedly more of a workload than you’re used to. Has your business or commercial building recently been exposed to COVID-19? Even with diligent cleaning on your part, there’s no way to ensure that you’ve completely eliminated the virus molecules. And that’s why you should call Bio-One of Tucson. We’re uniquely equipped to clean biological messes, and we’ve been continually providing COVID-19 cleanup services to the people of Arizona. Don’t take chances — contact us today for professional cleaning and disinfecting.
What Exactly Is The Coronavirus?
COVID-19, Explained
May 21, 2020 by David Scott
Everywhere you go, you hear about the Coronavirus. It’s all over your social media feeds, it pops up frequently in your conversations, and here you are, reading about it on our website. And yet, for how much we’re talking about this epidemic, a lot of people still don’t quite understand what exactly it is.
Most everyone, of course, understands that it’s a contagious virus that spreads through physical touch and sneezing. For most people, that’s enough. But if you want to dive a little deeper into learning about COVID-19 on a biological level, a little knowledge never hurt anyone. In fact, by understanding the nature of the virus itself, it can help you fight it better.
At Bio-One of Tucson, we specialize in biohazardous cleaning services, and one of the most important parts of our job is knowing exactly what we’re dealing with. Whether it’s blood, chemicals, or a virus such as COVID-19, it’s easier to deal with all of these things when you know a little bit about them.
COVID-19 is a specific coronavirus strain that has mutated to infect people. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s back up a little bit.
When you hear the word “coronavirus,” you’re probably thinking of COVID-19, the big bad virus that has managed to shut down a huge portion of our society. But in reality, the term coronavirus refers to a whole subset of viruses. Coronaviruses are a certain family of viruses that are capable of spreading from animals to humans. In fact, it’s likely you’ve already caught multiple types of coronaviruses in the past — many of them are little more than a common cold. But certain coronavirus mutations can get more serious, such as MERS, SARS, and now, COVID-19.
So if you’re wondering why these two names are often used interchangeably, that’s why. In short, COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus, but many people have taken to calling it “The Coronavirus.” In other words, COVID-19 is the official name, and Coronavirus is the slang name.
Generally speaking, soap is an effective deterrent to most types of contagious sicknesses; there’s a reason why the world got a whole lot healthier after it came into vogue. But COVID-19 is particularly weak to soap, and here’s why:
Soap molecules have two ends — one is attracted to water, and the other is water-resistant. So when you mix soap with water, the soap molecules bind to it, while also trying to get away from it at the same time. This causes them to latch onto whatever they can. COVID-19 molecules have a lipid membrane layer, which is basically a protective barrier of fat. The hydrophobic end of soap molecules latches onto these, which ultimately dissolves them, breaking apart the molecule. And when all is said and done, it’s washed away with the soap down the sink.
While we’ve listed the barebones basics behind COVID-19, there is still a whole lot more to it, and that’s why it’s wise to call us for professional COVID-19 cleaning and decontamination services, especially if you believe your business or commercial building has been exposed. We understand how this virus works, and how to break it down. Even if you’re being diligent with your cleaning, it’s not possible to completely eliminate 100% of the virus molecules. But with a professional treatment, we’ll get you as close as humanly possible. Contact us today to get started!
What to do if your business
Has been exposed to COVID-19
MAY 17, 2020 by DAVID SCOTT
As much as we’ve all been hearing about COVID-19, the reality is that the majority of the population still hasn’t been exposed to it. In a period where the curve seems to be flattening, it may seem like you’re safe and sound. But never say never — the virus is still out there, and although we’ve done a relatively good job at preventing mass outbreaks, it’s still a known fact that people can carry COVID-19 without showing symptoms.
So, what happens if your business gets exposed to the virus? It’s a scary possibility, especially if you have people working for you who are at risk. Suppose you’ve had a client or employee come in during the last week and you’ve recently learned that your guest is a confirmed carrier — it’s impossible to know how much of your building has been contaminated, and it is undoubtedly tempting to give into panic. But don’t worry — if you haven’t caught it yet, there are still things you can do to protect yourself and your business.
If you’ve been exposed to a confirmed carrier, it’s a good idea to recollect, as much as possible, where they were in your building, and where everyone else was. This isn’t always practical due to bad memory and other factors, but recollect to the best of your ability. If a guest or worker was confirmed positive after visiting you, it’s helpful to know exactly where they were, and who they had contact with. That way, you can avoid those areas of your building, and help keep at-risk family members in safer areas.
COVID-19 molecules can survive on surfaces for several days, depending on the object. Even if your business was exposed days ago, the virus could still be lingering in your building. If you want to eliminate the chances of infection, it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean and disinfect everything you can. Please wear protective gloves and a CDC-compliant mask to protect yourself from infection, and exercise extreme caution. Please read OSHA's Standard regarding COVID-19 Disinfection at https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/standards.html
While we highly recommend everyone to clean and disinfect their building as a preventative measure, it’s best to skip that step and call for professional decontamination instead if your business has verifiably been exposed. While it’s possible to clean the virus yourself, there’s a point where it can become too risky, especially if you or others are in at-risk brackets. Furthermore, some businesses are so big that you can’t really even do it by yourself in the first place.
Instead, call Bio-One Tucson for professional COVID-19 cleaning and decontamination services. We are uniquely equipped to clean and disinfect your entire commercial with no risk to our team members, due to our protective gear. If you know that your business has been exposed, this is by far the best option.
If you’re in Tucson or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to call Bio-One of Tucson for professional coronavirus cleaning and decontamination services. As a company that specializes in cleaning biohazardous materials, we’re well-versed in decontaminating virus-ridden areas, and we’re highly protected. While there are many cleaning companies this side of Arizona, none of them are as well-equipped to fight COVID-19 than we are. Contact us today to get started.
COVID-19 And Your Business
How Long Should I Wait Before Disinfecting My Facility?
APRIL 29, 2020 by DAVID SCOTT
Nowadays, more and more people are beginning to fully understand the importance of proper biohazard cleanup techniques because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If your business is currently dealing with the possibility of a COVID-19 contamination (or another type of biohazard), just remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
This guide is based on the expertise of the trained professionals that we have on staff at Bio-One Tucson and also the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (specifically the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases).
When most businesses, schools, or other organizations come to the realization that their facility has been contaminated by COVID-19, their first instinct is to disinfect it as soon as possible. For a lot of biohazard cleanup cases this approach would be correct but the CDC actually has additional guidelines for COVID-19 contamination.
First off, it is recommended that you wait for at least 24 hours to pass before the initial cleaning takes place.
"Wait 24 hours or as long as practical before beginning cleaning and disinfection.” (CDC, NCIRD)
In addition to this, the CDC has also noted that the risk of becoming infected during the cleaning process greatly decreases if the contaminated area is closed off for a full 7 days (168 hours) before the initial cleaning takes place.
Here at Bio-One Tucson, we know that many businesses cannot easily cope with having to close down their facility for 7 days, or even for 24 hours. Don’t worry, this is where we come in. Our trained professionals are well equipped with the skills, gear, and knowledge to perform any type of biohazard cleanup at a moment’s notice.
Don’t wait, contact us today so that we can get your COVID-19 biohazard cleanup started as soon as possible. Our goal is to keep you and your employees safe and healthy, while also minimizing your downtime.
How Should Businesses Approach Biohazard Cleanup During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Frequently Asked Questions
April 26, 2020 by David Scott
Transmission of the virus often occurs when someone sneezes or coughs and body fluids (respiratory droplets) become suspended in the air or affixed to surfaces.
The process of disinfecting your facility before you reopen it can seem like an incredibly daunting task. In light of the risks involved, there have been whispers about businesses that are considering the option of outwaiting the presence of the virus in their facilities instead of performing biohazard removal.
How long can SARS-CoV-2 survive on surfaces? Well, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has officially reported that the virus can survive up to 17 days on some surfaces.
However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to disinfect your facility if it has been closed for more than 17 days. In fact, the CDC has also recommended that their guidelines for disinfecting facilities be adhered to, no matter how long ago the suspected/confirmed COVID-19 contamination occurred.
The CDC (and other organizations across the world) have stated many times that there is not enough concrete facts about the virus and that new information about SARS-CoV-2 is continuously being uncovered – so it is better to be safe than sorry.
For most businesses, it is impossible to close contaminated areas for an extended period of time. Even if you’re not planning on touching any surfaces that may be contaminated, you still have to breathe. So, when the virus has been suspended in the air (aerosolized) how long does it stay there?
As of right now, the CDC has official reports about cases where the virus was found in the air up to 3 hours after it had been aerosolized. So, at the very least, you should wait that long before entering and/or passing through areas that have been contaminated.
Short answer, no.
While there are no official restrictions in place that prevent businesses from disinfecting their facilities on their own, there is an extensive list of biohazard cleanup regulations (from the CDC, OSHA, and the EPA) that has been established.
Here at Bio-One Tucson we are familiar with all biohazard removal procedures and we know the ins and outs of all of the official biohazard cleanup regulations that are applicable to COVID-19 contamination.
Don’t wait, contact us today so that we can take the burden of COVID-19 biohazard cleanup off of your hands during these trying times.
Biohazard Cleanup During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Why Businesses Need To Disinfect Before Reopening
April 22, 2020 by David Scott
Normally, when a business would talk about reopening, it would be because of some innocuous reason, such as construction or repairs that had finally been completed. However, today many businesses find themselves in need of biohazard cleanup services so that they can safely reopen their facilities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
When the topic of biohazard removal is brought up, most people naturally start to think about things like blood and bodily waste. This assumption isn’t incorrect – in fact, at Bio-One Tucson, a considerable portion of our clients utilize our biohazard cleanup services for exactly those reasons.
That being said, viruses and bacteria that can lead to disease (from mild to fatal) in humans are actually an extensive category of biohazards. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 is a prime example of this type of biohazard. In fact, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center for Biotechnology Information have stated that SARS-CoV-2 falls under the classification of “Biohazard Level 3”
The CDC has also published a lengthy and complex guide for employers that need to have their facilities disinfected and safeguarded against SARS-CoV-2. This is definitely a helpful resource for businesses but there is a considerable margin for error when critical tasks, such as this, are not undertaken by professionals.
Putting the onus of biohazard cleanup on your employees may seem like a great idea from a financial standpoint but at best, this will only be beneficial from a short-term perspective. In the grand scheme of things, putting your valued employees in high risk situations is never a good idea.
When all of the factors and variables are considered, only one course of action is clear – it’s best to leave biohazard removal to the professionals.
If you’re looking to reopen your business in the near future, then please don’t hesitate to contact us today. Let’s get to outlining a proper biohazard removal plan that will keel you, your employees, and your clients safe during this pandemic.
