If there is an active spill, strong fumes, a fire or anyone is coughing, dizzy or has burning eyes or skin, leave the area and call 911. Do not try to clean it yourself.
What does chemical and toxic waste cleanup cover?
This page is about the chemical side of a biohazard job, the part that is not blood or body fluid. Typical examples are:
- Residue and chemicals left by law enforcement activity, including fingerprint powder, forensic reagents, pepper spray and tear gas residue
- Chemical contamination at a property where drugs were made or used, along with leftover containers, which links to meth lab cleanup
- Abandoned or unlabeled household, garage or hobby chemicals found after a death, an eviction or a hoarding situation
- Solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals and cleaning products that spilled or were mixed
- Chemical contamination in a vehicle or outbuilding after an incident
It sits next to tear gas cleanup and crime scene cleanup, where chemical residue is common, and it overlaps with sewage and biohazard cleanup when floodwater carries chemicals into a home.
What can a biohazard provider handle and what can it not?
This matters, and it is where homeowners get misled. Biohazard providers are trained for infectious and biological contamination, and many also handle chemical residue from investigations and small household spills. Large industrial spills, unknown chemicals in bulk, radioactive material and anything that is an immediate danger are the work of emergency hazmat responders and specialized contractors, not a typical cleanup company.
When you call, tell us exactly what you know about the chemical: a label, a smell, how much, where it is and whether anyone has been exposed. If it is beyond what a cleanup provider can do, we will tell you and point you toward the right responder. In Polk County that starts with a call to 911.
What should I do if I find unknown chemicals?
- Do not touch, smell, taste or mix anything.
- Leave and keep others away, including pets.
- Do not move containers. Leaking or corroded containers can be unstable.
- Do not pour anything down a drain or onto the ground.
- Call 911 for fumes, fire, spills or injuries, and call the Sheriff's Office if you suspect a crime.
- Photograph labels from a distance if you can do it safely.
- Call a provider once emergency responders say the area is safe.
Never mix cleaners. Bleach and ammonia, for example, create toxic gas. This is a common reason people end up hurt while cleaning.
How does a provider approach chemical cleanup?
The method depends on the substance. In general:
- Identify the material. A label, a safety data sheet, or testing tells the crew what they are dealing with.
- Choose protective equipment. Respirators, chemical-resistant gloves and suits matched to the hazard. OSHA's hazardous waste operations standard (HAZWOPER, 29 CFR 1910.120) sets training requirements for workers who handle hazardous substances, and a provider should be able to explain what training applies to the job.
- Contain and collect. Containers are secured, and spilled material is absorbed.
- Remove contaminated porous materials. Carpet, ceiling tiles and soft furnishings that absorbed a chemical are often removed.
- Decontaminate surfaces. Methods are chosen for the specific chemical.
- Package and dispose of waste lawfully. Hazardous waste has rules for packaging, transport and disposal. Ask the provider how and where it goes, and get a record.
- Verify. Sometimes this means air or surface testing.
What does it cost and will insurance pay?
Price follows the amount, type and location of the chemicals, the testing needed and the disposal. A single unlabeled container is a small job, and a contaminated multi-room property is far larger. Ask for a written estimate that lists what is included, including testing and disposal.
Insurance depends on the cause. A sudden event may be covered, while neglect or illegal activity may not. Call your insurer first, and a landlord should check landlord coverage and lease terms. Ask a Florida attorney about any recovery from a former tenant.
Is there anything Lakeland-specific?
Lakeland is a working city with industrial and agricultural activity in Polk County, plus the household chemicals of any large metro area: pool treatments, lawn and pest products and car care supplies. After a hurricane or flood, containers can tip or leak into standing water. For small amounts of ordinary household products, ask Polk County's solid waste office whether a household hazardous waste option fits. For anything unknown, leave it to professionals.
When should I call?
Call emergency services for danger, and call us once things are safe. We connect you with an independent provider that serves your ZIP code, including Lakeland Highlands and Cleveland Heights. The biohazard cleanup in Lakeland, FL homepage explains the call and how to check a provider before you hire.
Frequently asked questions
Can a biohazard company clean up chemical spills?
Some can handle chemical residue from investigations and small spills. Large, unknown or dangerous spills are the work of emergency hazmat responders and specialized contractors. Tell us what you know and we will say so if it is outside what a provider can do.
What do I do if I find unlabeled chemical containers?
Do not touch or move them, leave the area and keep others away. Call 911 if there are fumes, leaks or injuries. Contact a provider once emergency responders say it is safe.
Is fingerprint powder toxic?
It is mainly a mess and an irritant, and it can be hazardous to breathe in large amounts. A provider removes it using equipment that keeps it from spreading.
Why should I never mix cleaning products?
Some combinations, such as bleach and ammonia, release toxic gases. Mixing products when cleaning is a common cause of injury.
How is hazardous waste disposed of?
It has to be packaged, transported and disposed of according to hazardous waste rules. Ask the provider where it goes and get a record of disposal.
Does insurance cover chemical cleanup?
It can after a sudden covered event, and often not for neglect or illegal activity. Call your insurer before work begins.