The Reality Of Hoarding
Hoarding is not something that you just see on television. It is a very real, debilitating condition that affects more people than you may realize. Oftentimes, individuals struggling with hoarding tendencies tend to keep their struggle behind closed doors while the filth piles up. Hoarding is a compulsion characterized by the extreme collection of & attachment to items, trash & an array of miscellaneous things of perceived value by the hoarder. The idea of parting with these things can cause a great deal of stress for the hoarder themselves, as they may have formed an irrational attachment to these things. If the compulsion to hoard is not kept under control, it can have devastating effects on not only the person doing the hoarding, but the home they live in as well. Hoarding can pose a great deal of health & safety risks that need to be taken seriously when it comes to cleanup.
Hoarding Cleanup Health & Safety Risks
Hoarders can be surprisingly good at keeping their unhealthy lifestyle under wraps. By the time family & friends discover what has been going on, the hoarding will likely have developed into a full blow health & safety hazard. Overtime, the health & safety risks of a hoarding situation will only get worse. A hoarding situation has a high potential to be unsafe for the inhabitants of the home, visitors, and hoarding cleanup professionals. If you’ve recently discovered that someone you know has been hoarding, it is important to let the professionals help. Let’s take a closer look at some of the health & safety concerns that you may find at a hoarding scene.
Sanitary Concerns: Severe cases of hoarding will almost always lead to extremely unsanitary conditions. Sanitation concerns are often the catalyst that forces a hoarder to get help in these situations, whether it be because they are physically unable to clean up after themselves, or they just don’t feel that cleaning is a priority. Buildup of filth, dirt, dust & bacteria overtime can become a serious health concern.
Biohazards: In addition to the basics of dirt, dust & bacteria, a hoarding situation is often contaminated with a variety of biohazards as well. In many hoarding situations, mice, rat & bedbug infestations are common issues. This means that animal droppings & possible animal corpses get mixed in with all that clutter. There are some cases where we find human waste, bodily fluids & even blood. This may be directly related to hoarding behavior, but it is more commonly the result of inaccessibility to toilets & sinks on the property due to the damage. These contaminants can lead to serious health & safety risks to anyone who may be spending time within the space. These sensitive contaminants should be removed & sanitized by hoarding cleanup professionals.
Structural Damage: Hoarding takes a huge toll on the structure of a home. The weight & stress on the home’s structure can compromise the structural integrity of the home. This can lead to severe damage that could put anyone in the space at risk. Additionally, it can be extremely difficult to navigate a hoarding situation. This means that minor issues will likely be neglected overtime. Leaks, HVAC & plumbing issues can lead to severe property damage if they are not addressed in a timely manner. Due to the damaged structural integrity of the home, it can be difficult to perform repairs, as it is unsafe & difficult to maneuver throughout the property.
Fire Hazards & Emergency Situations: Hoarding situations can easily become serious fire hazards. Oftentimes, much of the clutter consists of flammable materials such as paper, cardboard, wood or fabric. Clutter often blocks exits, which would pose a major threat in the event of an emergency.
Cleanup of severe hoarding situations are often beyond the capabilities of your basic home cleaning service due to the serious health & safety risks. These sensitive situations require specialized professional cleanup services. Hoarding cleanup often requires the use of specific equipment & cleaning agents, needing specialized training and industry knowledge. Companies responsible for hoarding cleanup & junk removal services are required to follow strict cleanup procedures & safety protocols. If you have discovered that you or someone you know is in need of hoarding cleanup services, contact a local professional hoarding & biohazard remediation company in your South Jersey area.
