What You Should Know About Blood Exposure
When you think of the term “blood cleanup,” getting a papercut or a scratch from a cat might come to mind. Since dealing with bleeding cuts and scrapes is a virtually inevitable part of life, it’s easy to overlook the dangers of exposure to someone else’s blood. Unfortunately, blood exposure can be dangerous, and trying to clean up the aftermath of a crime scene or suicide by yourself places your health at risk. For risk-free blood cleanup, it’s always best to call a professional biohazard cleaning company in Orlando.
Types of Bloodborne Pathogens
A bloodborne pathogen is any sort of infectious microorganism that can be transmitted through exposure to blood. Many dangerous infections can be transmitted in this way, but some of the most notable ones are hepatitis B and C, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Hepatitis B can involve mild liver inflammation, but it can also be severe enough to cause chronic liver diseases, eventual liver failure, and death. Hepatitis C is in the same family as hepatitis B, and it also causes liver problems. Infection with hepatitis C carries a much higher risk of developing chronic liver problems compared to a hepatitis B infection. Lastly, HIV is currently an incurable, lifelong disease for which there is no vaccine. Although people with HIV/AIDS are living longer than ever before, the disease still claims millions of lives.
Risks of Bloodborne Pathogens
Infection with a bloodborne pathogen requires direct contact. For example, in the aftermath of an assault, a person might discover splashes of the other person’s blood on the skin. If there is a break in the skin, the infection can spread. The break in the skin might be as large as a laceration or as small as a scratch. Bloodborne pathogens can also spread if the infected blood is splashed in the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Steps to Prevent Blood Exposure Risks
When a crime or accident occurs, the first step to take is always to call 911. If the incident took place in your home, do not attempt to clean up the scene—not even after the police finish processing the scene. Instead, contact professional crime scene cleaners to handle it for you, and be sure to see a doctor for a medical evaluation.