Hoarding disorder is a condition that affects millions of people in the United States, and it often results in dangerous and unsanitary living conditions. If you're thinking about cleaning up a hoarded home, it's important to be aware of the dangers and hazards often found in these areas.
Though it's a manageable condition, hoarding disorder can pose an emotional challenge for the hoarder and their loved ones. If you or someone you know needs help with hoarding cleanup service, consider reaching out to Bio-One of Chula Vista. Our specialists are trained to tackle even the most severe cases of extreme hoarding and clutter.3
Introducing the Dangers of Hoarding
Most people think of hoarding as an annoyance. Maybe it's that one family member who can't seem to throw anything away or the neighbor with a yard full of junk. But while it may be frustrating to live near or deal with a hoarder, it's important to remember that hoarding can pose serious risks - both to the hoarder themselves and their family members.
Squalor - Overwhelming and Unsanitary Conditions
The first and most obvious danger of compulsive hoarding is the cleanliness or lack thereof. Hoarders often live in squalor, with piles of garbage and refuse taking over their homes. This creates an unsanitary environment that can lead to serious health hazards, including the spread of disease.
Must read: IOCDF - Is it Hoarding Disorder, Clutter, Collecting, or Squalor?
Mold and Mildew in Hoarder Homes
Mold growth and mildew are common problems in hoarder homes. The combination of damp, cluttered conditions creates the perfect environment for mold to thrive. Inhaling mold spores can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues, headaches, and fatigue.
Fire and Physical Hazards
Another hazard associated with hoarding is the increased risk of fire. Piles of paper and other combustible materials provide fuel for fires, and the cluttered conditions make it difficult to spot and extinguish flames before they cause serious damage.
Hoarding Disorder - A Challenging Condition
Hoarding is a condition characterized by the persistent difficulty of discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Individuals with hoarding disorder often accumulate a large number of items and may struggle to keep living spaces clean and organized.
Common symptoms associated with hoarding include:
- Excessive attachment to possessions
- Difficulty discarding or parting with possessions
- Extreme difficulties organizing living spaces
- Excessive acquisition of items, even if they are not needed or have no value
Emotional Consequences from Hoarding Situations
A hoarding situation can also have a serious emotional toll on the hoarder and their loved ones. The condition often leads to feelings of shame, isolation, and anxiety. Hoarders may also suffer from depression and other mental health issues.
The Cleanup Process
Once a hoarder finally decides to clean up their act, they often don't know where to start - or how to do it properly. This can lead to dangerous situations, such as using harmful chemicals without proper ventilation or dealing with sharp objects without proper protection.
That's where we come in. The team at Bio-One of Chula Vista is specially trained to handle clutter and gross filth, and we have the experience and equipment to do it safely and effectively. We'll work with you to create a customized plan that meets your unique needs, and we'll make sure the job is done right!
HELP FIRST, BUSINESS SECOND!
Bio-One is ready to address issues caused by unanticipated circumstances, like death and serious trauma, at any time. We deploy our certified and experienced technicians as soon as possible so you can focus on more important things while the recovery process begins.
Cleaning, Sanitation, & Decontamination Services
- Crime scene cleanup
- Trauma scene cleanup
- Biohazard cleanup
- Blood spill and bodily fluids cleanup
- Undiscovered death cleanup
- Homicide/Suicide cleanup
- Feces and urine cleanup
- Mold Remediation
- Water damage restoration
- Odor removal
- Nicotine stain removal
- Virus disinfection
- Emergency vehicle decontamination
- Tear gas cleanup
Hoarding cleanup and recovery services
Locally owned, Bio-One of Chula Vista works closely with emergency responders, hoarding task forces, public service agencies, and other organizations to provide the most efficient service possible:
- Hoarding cleanup
- Animal hoarding cleanup
- Decluttering
- Gross filth cleanup
- Deep clean
- Junk removal
- Hazardous waste disposal
PROUDLY SERVING SAN DIEGO COUNTY & SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
We serve the San Diego County location and surrounding cities and communities, including Chula Vista, San Diego, National City, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley, El Cajon, Santee, Lakeside, Coronado, La Mesa, Imperial Beach, Bonita, and Alpine.
We are members of the National City Chamber of Commerce and an approved HomeAdvisor company. Contact us at 619-892-1744.
