Bio-One of Fremont decontamination and biohazard cleaning services

The Difference Between Biohazard and Hazardous Material Cleaning: A Guide by Bio-One Fremont

In this article Bio-One Fremont will discuss the differences between biohazard and hazardous material cleanings.

At Bio-One Fremont, we specialize in cleaning up the messes that nobody else wants to handle. From crime scenes to hoarding situations, we are the professionals who step in when things get tough. But not all messes are created equal, and it's important to understand the distinction between biohazard and hazardous material cleaning. This guide will help clarify the differences and why the specialized services we provide are essential for each.

What is Biohazard Cleaning?

Biohazard cleaning involves the removal, cleaning, and disinfection of blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious materials. These materials can pose significant health risks, including the transmission of diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and other bloodborne pathogens. Situations that require biohazard cleaning include:

  • Crime and Trauma Scenes:
    • After a violent crime or accident, the area must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to prevent disease transmission.
  • Unattended Deaths:
    • When a person passes away and is not discovered for some time, the decomposition process can create biohazards.
  • Hoarding Cleanup:
    • Severe hoarding situations can result in the accumulation of biological waste and contamination.
  • Suicide or Homicide Cleanup:
    • These sensitive situations require professional intervention to handle the emotional and physical aftermath.
  • Mold Remediation:
    • Mold growth, especially in large quantities, can pose serious health risks and is considered a biohazard. Professional cleanup ensures safe removal and prevents recurrence.

What is Hazardous Material Cleaning?

Hazardous material (hazmat) cleaning involves the handling and disposal of materials that are chemically, radiologically, or biologically hazardous but not necessarily infectious. These substances can be harmful to health and the environment if not managed correctly. Examples include:

  • Chemical Spills: 
    • Industrial accidents or household chemical spills that involve substances like solvents, acids, or pesticides.
  • Asbestos Removal:
    • Asbestos fibers, if inhaled, can cause serious lung conditions, including cancer.
  • Lead Paint: 
    • Older buildings may contain lead-based paint, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled.
  • Radiological Hazards: 
    • Materials that emit radiation and require specialized handling and disposal procedures.

Key Differences Between Biohazard and Hazardous Material Cleaning

  • Nature of Contaminants:
    •    Biohazards: Primarily involve biological substances like blood, bodily fluids, and infectious materials.
    •    Hazardous Materials: Include chemical, radiological, or other non-biological substances that are toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive.
  • Health Risks:
    •    Biohazards: Pose risks of infection and disease transmission.
    •    Hazardous Materials: Can cause chemical burns, poisoning, respiratory issues, and environmental damage.
  • Regulations and Standards:
    •    Both types of cleaning require adherence to strict regulations and safety standards. However, the specific protocols and protective measures can differ significantly.
  • Specialized Training and Equipment:
    • Professionals handling biohazard cleanup need training in pathogen exposure control and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
    • Hazardous material cleaning often requires knowledge of chemical safety, proper containment, and disposal methods.

Why Choose Bio-One Fremont?

At Bio-One Fremont, our team is trained and equipped to handle both biohazard and hazardous material situations with the utmost professionalism and care. We understand the emotional and physical toll these situations can take and are committed to providing compassionate and efficient services to restore safety and peace of mind.

If you find yourself in need of biohazard or hazardous material cleanup, don't hesitate to contact Bio-One Fremont. We are here 24/7 to assist with any cleanup challenge, no matter how big or small.

For immediate assistance, call our 24/7 emergency line at (925) 369-3096. Visit our website at [bioonefremont.com](https://bioonefremont.com) for more information.

Stay safe and remember, when others say no, Bio-One Fremont is here to say yes and handle the mess.

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Bio-One Fremont: Cleaning up the messes that nobody else wants to handle.

The origins of crime- and trauma-scene cleaning services can be traced back to the 1990s when only a handful of companies operated in this industry. At that time, the field lacked regulation, and awareness of contamination risks was minimal.

Professional crime scene and biohazard decontamination cleaning company

"I was young and inexperienced and found myself in a situation straight out of a movie. I quickly took action to assist a woman in her time of dire need, and that's how I entered the crime scene and cleaning business," shared Nick-Anthony Zamucen, Founder of Bio-One Inc. Read more about Nick's journey in Franchise Times.

Today, the landscape has changed dramatically, with hundreds of companies advertising crime and trauma scene cleaning services. However, navigating through this multitude of options during one of life's most traumatic moments can be overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a list of questions to ask before selecting a crime and trauma scene company.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Crime and Trauma Scene Cleaner

When evaluating crime and trauma scene cleaning technicians or business owners, asking the right questions is crucial to finding the best fit for your needs and circumstances.

  1. Are you local? Response time is critical in dealing with blood spills to prevent biohazards from spreading and to ensure swift remediation. Avoid companies with technicians located hours away, and steer clear of toll-free numbers that may lead to call centers. Bio-One Fremont typically responds within 30 to 60 minutes.
  2. Is your business certified and insured? Ensure that the cleaning company holds certifications in handling bloodborne pathogens and follows OSHA guidelines for personal protective equipment (PPE) and remediation processes. Additionally, verify that they are adequately insured to protect both your property and their employees. Bio-One Fremont's technicians are certified in Mental Heath First Aid and trained by by the San Francisco County Department of Mental Health to better communicate with their clients.
  3. What is your process for disposing of biohazardous waste? Proper disposal of biohazardous waste is essential for public health and safety. Verify that the company is familiar with local regulations regarding waste disposal and has a robust plan in place to adhere to these guidelines. Bio-One Fremont is a licensed Trauma Scene Waste (TSW) Management Practitioner with the state of California. (License #806)
  4. What happens to valuable or personal items impacted by the cleanup? A professional cleaning service should be respectful of your possessions, especially items of sentimental or monetary value. Ask how they handle such items and whether they will keep you informed throughout the process. Bio-One Fremont provides clients with a "Property Retention Form". This form helps the highly trained technicians search for valuable items during their cleaning process. The current 2024 list of recovered items includes: Cash ($6,300 and counting), Jewelry (Valued at over $21,000), Pension Documents, Family Trust Plans, Vehicle Titles, Military Pensions, Investment and Banking Accounts and more...
  5. How will you charge for your services? Understand the billing process upfront, particularly if you plan to file a claim with your home insurance. Reputable companies like Bio-One Fremont can assist with insurance claims, alleviating the burden on you. If you're uninsured, request a free line-item estimate to compare costs with other local providers.
  6. Will you prioritize discretion during and after the job? Confidentiality is paramount in sensitive situations. Choose a company that values discretion, such as Bio-One Fremont, whose unmarked vehicles and discreet work practices ensure privacy for you and your neighbors.
  7. Do you provide post-cleanup resources? Beyond cleaning, you may need flooring replaced or fresh drywall installed, which will also be covered under your home insurance claim, and a recommendation could help speed up the reconstruction process. Bio-One Fremont connections with local counselors and victim's advocates. A reputable company should be able to recommend trusted resources to support you through the aftermath.

Above all, ensure that the company you choose demonstrates care and compassion for your situation. Their primary focus should be on providing support and assistance to you and your loved ones during this challenging time.

If you're in need of a compassionate and professional crime and trauma scene cleaner, Bio-One Fremont is here for you. All our offices operate by the motto "Help First, Business Second" and are available 24/7. Reach out to us or click here to locate a Bio-One team near you.

In challenging situations like biohazard cleanup or hoarding scenarios, understanding the costs involved is paramount. At Bio-One Fremont, we recognize the importance of transparency in pricing, and we're here to demystify our pricing structure for you.

A common query we receive over the phone is, "Can you tell me how much it will cost to…?" The truth is, every job location is unique in size, square footage, and degree of impact, making it difficult to provide a fixed cost upfront.

However, we are committed to providing clear answers to this question. Upon your request, Bio-One Fremont typically responds in under 60 minutes to your site to develop a detailed project plan and estimate – all at no charge to you.

Here's how we determine our pricing:

  1. Expected Time on the Job Site: We meticulously estimate the time needed to complete the task based on its complexity and the specific requirements of each situation.
  2. Materials and Equipment Required: Our pricing accounts for the materials and specialized equipment necessary for the safe and effective execution of the job.
  3. Disposal Fees: Proper disposal of biohazardous waste is of utmost importance. Hence, our pricing includes any associated disposal fees to ensure compliance with regulations and environmental standards.
  4. Work Required to Meet Your Goals: Every situation is distinct, and we customize our approach to fulfill your unique objectives and needs. Our pricing reflects the level of work necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

When you choose Bio-One Fremont, you can expect complete transparency and clarity in our pricing. We provide a detailed, line-item quote that comprehensively outlines our plan and associated costs. This empowers you to make informed decisions about our services with confidence.

Understanding that unforeseen expenses can be overwhelming, we offer financing options for every job. We firmly believe that everyone deserves access to the support they need without financial strain. Our financing options provide flexibility and peace of mind for our customers.

At Bio-One Fremont, our top priority is to deliver compassionate, professional, and effective services to our community. Our pricing structure reflects our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality results while ensuring transparency and affordability for our customers.

Should you have any further questions about our pricing or services, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to assist you every step of the way.


Animal hoarding occurs in communities across the U.S. and researchers estimate that hoarding accounts for the suffering and death of over 250,000 animals each year. For instance, if you search the news section on Google for “Animal Hoarding” you will find recent stories all over the U.S. 

Most recently, we’ve seen:

These dire conditions cause immense suffering for both animals and people, while overwhelming local animal shelters. So how can you help? The first step, is education. 

In this post, we’ll answer and provide resources to common animal hoarding questions. 

What is considered animal hoarding?

According to the ASPCA, the following criteria are used to define animal hoarding:

  • An individual possesses more than the typical number of companion animals.
  • The individual is unable to provide even minimal standards of nutrition, sanitation, shelter and veterinary care, with this neglect often resulting in starvation, illness and death.
  • The individual is in denial of the inability to provide this minimum care and the impact of that failure on the animals, the household and human occupants of the dwelling.

What causes animal hoarding?

Often, the behavior of animal hoarding begins after an illness, disability, or difficult life event. In most situations, the owner sees the animals as a major source of love, and they have the best of intentions of caring for their animals. However, overtime they become overwhelmed and unable to make decisions which leads to unintentional neglect or abuse. 

The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) states that hoarders also have an intense emotional attachment to their animals. They avoid the pain of letting go of things that seem very special, even when clutter prevents comfortable living. Like object hoarders, animal hoarders believe that things should be saved for some special event, even if the event never happens. They imagine the wonderful way in which they will heal love, and nurture their pets, while overlooking the terrible effects of having too many of them. 

“The sometimes hundreds of dog or cat victims of a single hoarder generally show signs of abuse such as severe malnutrition, untreated medical conditions including open sores, cancers, and advanced dental and eye diseases, and severe psychological distress.” - Animal Legal Defense Fund

Who is most likely to hoard animals?

The Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium reviewed the case records of 71 incidents from across the United States and Canada to determine what characterizes a typical animal hoarding case. Of the cases reviewed, here’s what they discovered:

  • 83% involved women
  • 53% of the animal hoarding residences were home to other individuals including children (5%)
  • 21% were elderly dependents and disabled people 

There are also commonalities in the living environment. Often essential utilities and major appliances such as showers, heaters, stoves, toilets, and sinks were not functional. 70% of the homes had fire hazards and 16% of the residences were condemned as unfit for human habitation.

At Bio-One, the circumstances as described in the research findings above are common for our teams. Animal waste can be unsafe when not properly contained and regularly cleaned, as well as human urine and feces. Learn more about Bio-One’s hoarding services. 

What happens to animals after they are rescued?

Sue Marue the founder of the Arizona based cat rescue Ark Cat Sanctuaryspoke with our Bio-One Mesa, AZ team and said:

We have taken in dozens and dozens of cats from all over Arizona that have been rescued from hoarders. The lucky ones can be up for adoption within weeks. But for some, they will never be ready for adoption and will live out their days at Ark or we cannot save them because they are just too sick. We have one little tabby that we rescued from a hoarder in Phoenix over a year ago that just last week allowed us to pet her and love her. Sometimes it takes that long. The problem with that is most rescues cannot take a year for an animal to come around. They don't have that kind of space or time. It isn't their fault, it is just how it is. We deal with overpopulation, under-funding and just not enough help. Unfortunately, it’s the animals that suffer. 

Bio-One animal hoarding case study

In a 2018 blog post, the Bio-One team in Orlando described circumstances that led their team to remediating an animal hoarding situation:

“Bio-One cleaned out a home in Polk County, Florida, when a Hoarder was discovered by pure coincidence. The Hoarder was to be evicted from the rental property due to nonpayment. The local Sherriff's office came to evict him from the property and this was when the situation of Hoarding was discovered. He had been hoarding many dogs within the home and living in deplorable conditions. Animal Control came out and confiscated the animals. The Hoarder was taken into custody at the moment of discovery. The whole situation was incredibly sad and ultimately could have been avoided...”

Read the entire story on their blog

How Can You Help?

The most immediate ways to make in impact in your community is to contact your local animal rescue to make a donation or volunteer your time. Also, if you see an animal in distress, contact your local authorities.

If you think someone you know is struggling with animal hoarding, ASPCA.org lists important steps to ensure the animals are quickly helped and the hoarder receives the support they require.