Homelessness is a growing concern in most cities, and California is no exception. With the rise in the number of homeless people, so is the increase in encampments that can be found anywhere in the city's nooks and crannies, parks, and sidewalks. If you're dealing with these scenarios on or near your property, you need to be aware of the significant health and safety risks that come with cleaning up homeless encampments.
In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the common hazards you might face while cleaning up homeless encampments and how Bio-One Modesto can help you with restoring the process.
Sharp Objects, Needles, Hazardous Chemicals, and other Unknown Hazards
Homeless encampments often contain sharp objects and needles that are dangerous to handle. These items, including broken glass and rusted metal, can cause serious cuts and other injuries if not handled with appropriate caution. In addition to these physical hazards, there may be hazardous chemicals present in the encampment due to drug use or improper disposal of household products. There is also the possibility of human waste, which can contain various pathogens, viruses, and bacteria such as hepatitis A, E. Coli, Norovirus, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and others.
Airborne Pathogens
During the cleanup process, there is a risk of the release of airborne pathogens that were previously trapped in the encampment's debris. Mold spores, toxic fumes, or even the release of biological waste can cause respiratory problems and other illnesses. These pathogens are not for the faint of heart and may require specialized remediation techniques.
Infectious Diseases
Homeless individuals' living conditions are such that they are more prone to infections and diseases, which pose a risk to others cleaning up the encampment area. Contagious diseases like tuberculosis, MRSA, or HIV, can spread through physical contact or aerosolized transmission.
Bio-One Offers Tailored Solutions in Cleaning Up Homeless Encampments
With the right equipment and knowledge, our team at Bio-One Modesto can safely remove hazardous materials and infectious waste while following appropriate protocols to protect your property, employees, and customers. We utilize specialized equipment to contain and neutralize hazardous materials while disposing of biohazardous waste properly.
The bottom line is that cleaning up homeless encampments is not a job for amateurs. It is essential to be aware of the health and safety risks involved and the appropriate steps to take to keep yourself and others safe. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your property and the surrounding environment!
