Biohazard Remediation Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the terms you'll hear during a biohazard cleanup — so you understand every step of the process.
ATP Testing
Adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence testing — a rapid surface test that measures biological contamination at the cellular level, used to verify a scene is clean after remediation.
Biohazard
Any biological material that poses a threat to human health — including blood, bodily fluids, human waste, and infectious microorganisms — requiring specialized handling and disposal.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Infectious microorganisms in human blood that cause disease, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) governs worker exposure.
Chain of Custody
A documented record tracing biohazard waste from generation through transport to final disposal, proving it was handled and destroyed legally at every step.
Clandestine Drug Lab
An illegal location where methamphetamine or other drugs are manufactured, leaving toxic chemical residues that require certified decontamination before reoccupancy.
Decomposition
The biological breakdown of a body after death, producing fluids and gases that penetrate structural materials and require specialized remediation.
EPA List N
The EPA's list of disinfectants proven effective against emerging viral pathogens, used for hospital-grade decontamination of viruses and bacteria.
HAZWOPER
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response — OSHA standard (29 CFR 1910.120) requiring specialized training for workers handling hazardous materials.
HEPA Filtration
High-Efficiency Particulate Air filtration that captures 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger, used to safely remove airborne pathogens and dust during cleanup.
IICRC
Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification — the industry body that sets standards for biohazard remediation and trauma cleanup professionals.
Negative Air Containment
A sealed work zone maintained at lower pressure than surrounding areas, preventing airborne contaminants from escaping during remediation.
Regulated Medical Waste
Waste contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials, requiring transport and disposal under DOT and state health department rules.
Sharps
Needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp medical instruments that can puncture skin and transmit bloodborne pathogens — disposed of in puncture-proof containers.
Trauma Scene
A location affected by a traumatic event — suicide, homicide, accident, or injury — requiring compassionate, discreet biohazard remediation.
Unattended Death
A death discovered days or weeks after it occurred, requiring specialized remediation of decomposition fluids and odors from structural materials.