Health Threats Posed By Homeless Camps

One of the hottest topics right now is homeless camp cleanups. Many US cities are struggling with rising cases of homelessness and Providence in Rhode Island is no exception. Many people who find themselves on the street end up living in homeless camps scattered about in virtually all communities in Providence RI. Encampments, fondly called Tent Cities are a common sight under freeway overpasses, parks, and other public spaces. Though there are sanctioned areas, most homeless camps are illegal. And over time, the city or county orders for homeless camp cleanup. These experts who specialize in homeless camp cleanup Providence RI will first seal the area, clear out the debris and sanitize the area.

Biohazards Found at Homeless Camps

Homeless camps are unhealthy spaces and pose a lot of health risks. Homeless people and even residents living close to these camps face exposure to risks of contracting biohazards as well as other health dangers. Common biohazards present at homeless camps include the following

  • Biohazards from human waste including urine, feces, and vomit
  • Animal waste including feces and urine
  • Blood-borne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis, MRSA, and many more
  • Rodent infestation – a major carrier of the hantavirus, ultimately resulting in kidney failure
  • Meth labs
  • Sharps and other drug paraphernalia including needles and syringes
  • Accumulated trash which consists of rotten food, dirty diapers, and other harmful insects causes a wide range of health hazards.

Many people pay attention to large homeless camps in cities and counties alone. There are even greater health threats associated with smaller numbers of homeless individuals who routinely create a spot to rest their heads in most private properties and businesses. Whether big or small, homeless camps should be treated equally due to the potential health hazards it presents.

We can’t stress this enough; homeless camp cleanup is best left to professionals and not untrained individuals. The lives of amateur cleaners stand at risk of exposure to potential biohazards. Not only that, the property owner might be slammed with a heavy lawsuit if something goes wrong at the site. So whether a homeless camp is massive or a small one sited right behind a residential building, it should be handled by professional technicians.

Why is this so? Professionals are properly trained and equipped to deal with the hazardous items found at the encampment. They will run a thorough assessment of the area to determine the right kind of treatment and resources to use. It is however important to be aware of the toxic matters found at these sites. Sadly, amateur cleaners do not have the slightest idea of the dangers they are faced with.

Waste removal process must be done safely. Using the right transport facility also matters for proper disposal. After removing the waste, the next big step is to decontaminate and restore the area. Untrained individuals do not have the right skills and equipment to carry out this task diligently. Instead, reach out to professionals who specialize in homeless camp cleanup Providence RI. They are available 24 hours a day.