What are the health risks associated with a biohazardous cleanup?
Cleaning up after decomposed bodies and other trauma related deaths does present a health risk. Gases produced from decomposed bodies are: Ammonia, Cadaverine, Putrescine, Carbon Dioxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Methane, and Hydrogen. Cadaverine and Putrescine are the most toxic gases. They penetrate through the skin and will displace or compete with oxygen. Protective clothing and air supply is necessary when working in confined spaces. Bacteria produced from decay (partial list): Bacteriodes, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, and E. Coli. Exposure to decomposed gases and bacteria can result in tuberculosis, hepatitis, lung and respiratory diseases including HIV-1 (associated with AIDS), and Hepatitis-B Virus (HBA).
