Crime scenes are dangerous locations. From blood and other bodily fluids to contaminated drug paraphernalia, toxic substances that threaten human health can litter the area. Crime scene cleanup, therefore, requires specialized knowledge and expertise to ensure no one is harmed during the process.

This article will delve into the nine categories of toxic materials and highlight the top 10 hazardous substances frequently encountered during cleanups.

9 Classes of Hazardous Materials

Understanding the nine classes of risky substances is crucial for cleanup professionals. These classifications help ensure the proper handling and disposal of hazardous substances.

Class 1: Explosives

Substances that trigger explosions or generate blast hazards, like dynamite, fireworks, and ammunition.

Class 2: Gases

Compressed, liquified, or dissolved gases encompass flammable, non-flammable, and toxic gases such as chlorine and tear.

Class 3: Flammable Liquids

Liquids with a high ignition propensity, including gasoline, paint thinner, and alcohol.

Class 4: Flammable Solids

Solid materials that can easily catch fire, such as magnesium and sodium.

Class 5: Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides

Compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and ammonium nitrate, belonging to class 5 hazardous materials, can cause or intensify combustion.

Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances

Materials that can be hazardous or lethal when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed comprise pesticides, drugs, and biological hazards like blood and saliva.

Class 7: Radioactive Materials

Elements emitting ionizing radiation, such as uranium and plutonium.

Class 8: Corrosive Substances

Compounds that can inflict severe damage on living tissue or other materials, such as acids and alkalis.

Class 9: Miscellaneous Hazardous Substances

Substances that pose a hazard but don’t fit into other classes, including environmentally risky substances, asbestos, and dry ice.

10 Hazardous Substances Found in Crime Scene Cleanup

1. Blood

Blood is a common biohazard found at crime scenes, and carries the potential risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Proper handling and disposal of blood and blood-soaked materials are crucial to preventing exposure to these pathogens and ensuring the safety of cleaners and occupants.

2. Saliva

Saliva is another bodily fluid often encountered during cleanup. It can also contain harmful pathogens, and as such, it is considered a biohazard. Proper precautions must be taken to avoid direct contact with saliva and contaminated items.

3. Dead Bodies

Decomposing bodies presents multiple hazards during cleanup. The decomposition process emits numerous dangerous substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and toxic gases.

Hiring professional crime scene cleanup services is crucial to ensure proper management and disposal of these materials, as they can lead to sickness or infection if not handled correctly.

4. Rodent Feces

Dead bodies and other detritus can attract rodents and pests. Rodent droppings are particularly common when a property has been unoccupied for a considerable amount of time. These droppings can harbor deadly diseases like Hantavirus, which can be lethal if contracted by humans.

Cleanup experts should always be cautious and wear appropriate protective gear when dealing with rodent droppings.

5. Semen

Semen is another biohazardous material that can be present at crime scenes, especially in cases of sexual assault. Just like blood and saliva, semen can carry infectious pathogens, necessitating careful handling to mitigate the risks of exposure.

6. Tear Gas Residue

Tear gas residue containing hazardous materials may be found at crime scenes where law enforcement has used tear gas to subdue individuals or disperse crowds.  The residue can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and eye problems if not properly cleaned and removed.

Professionals should wear appropriate protective equipment and use specialized cleaning agents to remove tear gas residue effectively.

7. Chemicals from Meth Labs

Crime scenes involving meth labs contain a variety of dangerous substances, including flammable solvents, toxic gases, and corrosive chemicals. These substances pose significant health risks and must be handled with extreme care during cleanup.

Crime scene cleanup companies should follow specific protocols to ensure these dangerous chemicals’ safe removal and disposal.

8. Drug Paraphernalia

Drug paraphernalia, such as needles, pipes, and syringes, can pose a risk of injury and infection during cleanup. Used needles can transmit bloodborne pathogens if they accidentally puncture the skin. Cleanup experts must take proper precautions when handling and disposing of drug paraphernalia.

9. Flammable Substances

Flammable substances like gasoline or other accelerants may be found at crime scenes involving arson or other fire-related incidents. These materials can pose a risk of explosion or fire if not handled and disposed of correctly.

Professionals specializing in crime scene cleanup services should exercise utmost caution and employ appropriate equipment to remove and store these substances safely.

10. Forensic Residue

Forensic residue includes materials left behind by law enforcement or forensic investigators, such as fingerprint powder, luminol, or other chemical agents used in evidence collection. These materials can be hazardous if not appropriately cleaned and may interfere with restoration.

Experts should be familiar with these substances and the appropriate removal methods.

Trust a Professional Crime Scene Cleanup Company

Dealing with toxic substances during the cleanup of a crime scene is a complex and potentially dangerous task. To ensure the safety and health of all involved, relying on a professional company is vital.

United Restoration has the expertise, equipment, and training required to handle and dispose of hazardous substances while adhering to industry standards and regulations. When you choose us, you can rest easy knowing the cleanup will be comprehensive, secure, and effective.

If you require crime scene cleanup assistance, don’t wait to reach out to us. Our skilled team is prepared to guide you through the complexities of cleanup, guaranteeing a safe and spotless space for you and those you care about.