The Biohazard Report - April 2025

Name: Bio-One of Columbus
Brand: Bio-One of Columbus
Rating: 4.7 (27 reviews)

Graphic that says "Bio-One" in the center with the biohazard symbol to the left; top of the circle in white lettering says "Help First Business Second" the lower half says the same.

Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.
~Les Brown

Do You Need To Call?

Ever wondered why you might need to call a Biohazard Remediation company? We hope that the information in this newsletter helps you understand when you need to call us!

What Bio-One Columbus Does

Simply put, we provide custom solutions to tough problems. Bio-One Columbus offers 24/7 unattended death, crime scene, suicide cleanup and other biohazard cleanup services. We are a group of trusted, experienced, and discreet professionals serving Columbus and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re in law enforcement, government, property management, or a local resident, Bio-One of Columbus has over a decade of experience serving you.

We guarantee:

Safe for occupancy once we leave
Complete discretion with unmarked vehicles and any special requests
Collaboration with your insurance companies

Services We Offer

Sewage Remediation

Rodent Droppings

Mold Remediation

Hoarding Cleanup

Feces/Urine Cleanup

Homeless Encampment Cleanup

Unattended Death

Whether you need help remediating a crime scene, suicide, or other trauma event in Columbus, we are ready to answer the call.

For more information, visit our website or give us a call at 614-743-1795.
We will take your call 24/7 and provide free estimates.

Bio-One of Columbus is a leader in crime scene cleanup and biohazard decontamination services in Columbus. Our technicians are highly skilled and have been trained on OSHA's safety standards. Bio-One of Columbus continues to be the most passionate and caring company in the cleaning services industry.

For more information, visit us at https://bioonecolumbus.com/

Twitter: @BioOneColumbus

LinkedIn: Bio-One Columbus

Facebook: Bio-One Columbus

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Bluesky: Bio-One Columbus

"Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it's a rebirth of the spirit."
~Toni Sorenson

Spring Cleaning & Decluttering

Happy Spring! Spring is a time for renewal, brighter days and cleaning after a long winter. Whether you own a single-family home or manage a larger set of properties, there is routine maintenance and cleaning that can be done to make the rest of the year go smoothly.

You may already have a long to-do list. Don't forget these additional tips!
Cut back tree limbs and shrubs growing close to the structure to reduce potential damage from storms and assist with drainage.
Check for damage to the roof or gutters before spring storms tear loose additional roofing or create leaks in the property.
Test the air conditioning system and clean/replace the furnace filter to improve the efficiency of the HVAC system.
Check windows inside and out for possible re-caulking and screen repairs prior to windows being opened and to reduce AC bills.
Check the garbage disposal and clean/repair if needed - this is an often-needed maintenance and cleaning item ignored until it is too late and a costly repair.
Maintain landscaping and check the perimeter of the property for external signs of rodents. Call 311 if you find signs of rodents to have the city place a trap on the property.
Communicate routinely with your tenants about cleaning and repairs.

If you are doing routine maintenance or spring-cleaning tasks and find yourself faced with piles of clutter, strong odors, rodent droppings or unexpected biohazard materials, please call Bio-One Columbus for assistance. We are experts in professionally and efficiently cleaning spaces of all sizes and in varying degrees of disorder. Call us today at 614-743-1795 for a free consultation.

Did You Know?

Spring Cleaning Fun Facts

You are never alone in bed! The average mattress contains sweat and skin flakes, which attract mites. Clean sheets routinely and vacuum your mattress.at least once a week.
Spring cleaning is a great workout. It works out all major muscle groups, requires balance and coordination and can burn up to 200 calories per hour.
The average household carpet can store a huge amount of dirt — most of which is usually hidden deep within the pile. According to one estimate, each square meter of carpet is capable of holding up to a kilo of dirt.
Melatonin, the hormone that causes sleepiness, is highest during the winter. During spring, the increase in sunlight and decrease in melatonin gives us a natural energy boost -- making spring a time many of us feel energized to clean!

Spring Cleaning Tips

It is easy to feel overwhelmed when you start spring cleaning, so here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Start by decluttering. It is easier to clean when there is less "stuff" in the way.
2. Create a realistic plan for cleaning. Cleaning is a multi-day process and breaks are helpful to keep you energized.
3. Focus on one space at a time. It can be difficult to try and clean multiple rooms or spaces simultaneously.
4. Gather your supplies before you start. If you've forgotten something, it's easy to feel like giving up.
5. Motivate yourself with music while you clean! Making cleaning fun can pass the time faster.
6. Take a sniff -- smelling for odors can help you detect hidden areas that need cleaning.
6. Ask for help. Cleaning with friends can be fun and rewarding.

For more information, visit us at https://bioonecolumbus.com/

Twitter: @BioOneColumbus

LinkedIn: Bio-One Columbus

Facebook: Bio-One Columbus

Instagram: Bio-One Columbus

Bluesky: Bio-One Columbus

Biohazard symbol with the words Bio-One and Help First, Business Second

“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”
~Abraham Maslow

Transformation & Growth

Ever read one of those "rags to riches" or "I lost 100 lbs. in 3 months!" inspirational stories that motivated you to finally tackle that long-standing cleaning project, get to the gym, monetize a hobby or start a new job? That starting momentum and adrenaline can quickly get overridden by fears and the overwhelming amount of work ahead of you. Not to mention that change happens slowly over time - it's easy to get discouraged by slow progress, and difficult to maintain that initial burst of energy and motivation.

Here at Bio-One Columbus, we see you! We truly recognize how challenging it can be to achieve your goals without a helping hand. While we can't help you with a weight loss program or a get-rich-quick plan, we can help you tackle home decluttering and deep cleaning to take one big project off your plate!

Change is hard. We get that and we're here to support you the best way we know how - professional, efficient, and discreet services to reclaim your space and give you that boost in starting to transform your life and help you grow. There's no shame or judgement in reaching out.

Growth looks good on you! We promise -- it'll be worth it in the end.

For more information, visit us at https://bioonecolumbus.com/

Twitter: @BioOneColumbus

LinkedIn: Bio-One Columbus

Facebook: Bio-One Columbus

Instagram: Bio-One Columbus

“Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments.”
~ Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy

Milestones & Moments

Eight Years, Numerous Memories & Still Counting!

Bio-One Columbus was started eight years ago on a hope and a dream, with Owner Tim Lockard posting this on social media:

"Tuesday, June 14th is Opening Day. I'm the proud owner of Bio-One Columbus, a biohazard remediation company that will clean up crime scenes, suicides, homicides, undiscovered death, hoarding, mold remediation and just about anything you can imagine that other companies can't deal with in a safe manner. As a paramedic for 15 years I've witnessed the front end of a lot of tragedy. I plan to carry that experience into my new career and bring a level of compassion that will help families get back to their lives after these types of tragic events. Without the continued support of my friends and family this would never have been possible. Thank you all."

Since opening day, our business operations have grown exponentially as has our capacity to manage multiple jobs in short periods of time. To date we've supported 1391 individuals, families, property owners and businesses in their time of need. Our commitment to providing personalized professional, discrete, and compassionate service remains the same as it was on Day 1, as summed up by Tim today: "The stories of the families we serve continue to inspire me today. They’re why we do this work."

Whether it is an unattended death, odor removal, crime scene cleanup, removal of gross filth or de-hoarding a home, we are there for you 24/7, 365 days a year, as we have been for the last 2,922 days we've been in business.

Memorable Moments with Bio-One Columbus

Eight Years of Reviews

While Bio-One Columbus has many 5-star reviews, this is one of our recent favorites:

"I am extremely impressed with the services provided by Bio-One Columbus! The Bio-One Team placed meticulous attention to detail. Not only is their work of the highest quality, but their professionalism, compassion and reliability are also commendable. I appreciate their punctuality and willingness to accommodate my concerns. I highly recommend Tim and his team if anyone is in need of biohazard cleaning." ~Marie F., Google Review

Did You Know?

Bio-One Columbus was started by Tim Lockard on June 14, 2016.
There are over 130 Bio-One franchises in 41 states across the United States.
Bio-One is ranked #1 in crime and trauma-scene cleaning in the US.
Bio-One Columbus offers over 20 different specialized biohazard remediation services.
Bronze symbolizes the 8th anniversary, representing strength and endurance.

Twitter: @BioOneColumbus

LinkedIn: Bio-One Columbus

Facebook: Bio-One Columbus

Instagram: Bio-One Columbus

Our mailing address is:
3000 E. Main Street #151, Columbus OH 43209

“In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.”
~ Fred Rogers

Are You Stressed?

April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month with the goal of bringing attention to the negative impact of stress.

What is stress? Stress is a normal reaction to everyday pressures, but can become unhealthy when it upsets your day-to-day functioning. Stress involves changes impacting nearly every system of the body and can impact how people feel and behave.

Stress is in the eye of the beholder so what may stress you out may not stress another person. For example, one person packing up an apartment to move can be see that as a "good" stress and feel excited -- while another person may feel completely overwhelmed and see this move as a "bad" stress, causing anxiety, stomach aches and low motivation.

It’s important to recognize what stress and anxiety look like, take steps to build resilience, and know where to go for help. Managing stress is an crucial component of a healthy lifestyle and reduced mortality rates. Knowing how to manage stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimize exacerbation of health-related issues.

Check out our stress management tips and resources below! If you are feeling stressed out about clutter, hoarding conditions, hazardous biological material, animal waste or other challenging environmental conditions, call us today at 614-743-1795 for a free consultation. We're happy to support your efforts to lower your stress level.

Stress Management Tips

Break large tasks into small, achievable parts. Need to clean a whole room? Start with one corner first.
Take frequent breaks. You don't have to tackle your stress all at once. Even working for 5 minutes at a time gets you closer to the goal.
Slow down. Stress can often make us feel like we need to rush. Take a deep breath and help your body relax.
Get adequate rest. Research shows that people who get a healthy night's sleep manage stress more easily.
Be active. Move your body daily in whatever capacity you can, whether it be a workout at the gym or a walk around your neighborhood.
Reframe your thinking. If you can see the stress as a challenge or a positive change, it will reduce the negative impact on your body.
Seek help. You do not have to manage the stress alone! Using social support or outsourcing the stress to professionals can go a long way at keeping you healthy.

Stress Resources

For more information about stress management, visit these resources:

American Psychological Association Coping With Stress
National Institutes of Health Stress Awareness Month
NIH Mental Health and Coping Resources
Check In On Yourself (from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services)

Bio-One of Columbus is a leader in crime scene cleanup and biohazard decontamination services in Columbus. Our technicians are highly skilled and have been trained on OSHA's safety standards.

Bio-One of Columbus continues to be the most passionate and caring company in the cleaning services industry.
For more information, visit us at https://bioonecolumbus.com/

Twitter: @BioOneColumbus LinkedIn: Bio-One Columbus Facebook: Bio-One Columbus Instagram: Bio-One Columbus

"Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it's a rebirth of the spirit."
~Toni Sorenson

Spring Has Sprung!

Happy First Full Day of Spring! Spring is starting a little earlier than usual this year. because of the Leap Year -- we hope you enjoy this early arrival. Spring is a time for renewal, brighter days and decluttering after a long winter.

Whether you own a single-family home or manage a larger set of properties, there is routine maintenance and cleaning that can be done to make the rest of the year go smoothly.

Here are some tips to get your Spring Cleaning off to a great start:

Make a realistic schedule for all of your spring cleaning and maintenance goals.
Identify ways to declutter inside and outside spaces, especially those areas that create fire or evacuation hazards.
Use this opportunity to check and replace air filters inside the HVAC system.
Check windows inside and out for possible re-caulking and screen repairs prior to windows being opened and to reduce AC bills.
Don't forget to remove dead tree limbs around the home prior to this Spring storm season.
Work top to bottom to keep your re-cleaning to a minimum and keep track of your progress.
Deep clean your linens, including vacuuming your mattress or steam cleaning to remove stains.
Be aware of your own safety when working with cleaning chemicals; be sure to work in a well-ventilated area or open windows during the process.
Safely move furniture or large rugs to dust and cleaning underneath.
Call in a professional for larger jobs or if you find rodent droppings, evidence of mold/mildew, or just feel overwhelmed by the volume of items to dispose.

This Spring, Turn Your Home

From This ..... To This!

Bio-One of Columbus is a leader in crime scene cleanup and biohazard decontamination services in Columbus. Our technicians are highly skilled and have been trained on OSHA's safety standards.

Bio-One of Columbus continues to be the most passionate and caring company in the cleaning services industry.
For more information, visit us at https://bioonecolumbus.com/

Twitter: @BioOneColumbus LinkedIn: Bio-One Columbus Facebook: Bio-One Columbus Instagram: Bio-One Columbus

"Clutter isn’t just the stuff on the floor. It’s anything that gets between you and the life you want to be living"
~Peter Walsh

There's No Place Like Home

Bio-One Columbus: Creating Safe Space for Older Adults to Stay at Home

Senior Independence Month is celebrated in February and focuses on keeping older adults safe and healthy in their homes and apartments. Research by Princeton University shows that our environment can positively or negatively impact our ability to complete tasks as well as our overall mental health. If the physical space around us feels scattered, it’s likely our mental space will feel the same.

In fact, studies demonstrate that by removing or controlling clutter, we can directly reduce the stress and potential physical harm that stems from the mess. Decluttering leads to health benefits, including:

More positive mood and higher self-esteem: Having a clean and organized space reduces depression and supports a positive outlook.
Improved physical health and safety: Safe and decluttered physical spaces allow for freedom of movement and reduced risk of falls.
Sharpen your focus and attention: Clutter feels chaotic! When a space is de-cluttered, it is much easier to stay focused, pay attention and remember where important things are located.
Frees energy for other tasks: Starting with a clean and decluttered spaces allows for keeping up on daily cleaning and energy to engage in quality of life activities.
Relieves anxiety and worry: When things are not organized or clean, it can often bring anxiety. Decluttering can lift that weight and produce calm and peaceful feelings.

Older adults are at higher risk for cluttered housing, especially if they struggle with chronic health conditions. Keeping them safe and happy at home allows for a better quality of life.

Remember, while clutter can be overwhelming, it can be removed and organized. Bio-One Columbus specializes in decluttering homes professionally, quickly and efficiently, with a level of detail that is difficult to achieve if you're trying to do it alone.

Life is stressful enough with daily tasks and workloads. Call us today if you or someone you know has a living space overwhelmed with clutter and who needs support staying at home safely.

Critical Living Areas for Keeping Older Adults Independent

Kitchen

Bathrooms

Hallways

Bedrooms

Basements

Garages

Bio-One of Columbus is a leader in crime scene cleanup and biohazard decontamination services in Columbus. Our technicians are highly skilled and have been trained on OSHA's safety standards.

Bio-One of Columbus continues to be the most passionate and caring company in the cleaning services industry.
For more information, visit us at https://bioonecolumbus.com/

Twitter: @BioOneColumbus LinkedIn: Bio-One Columbus Facebook: Bio-One Columbus Instagram: Bio-One Columbus

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”
~John Holmes

What Can Bio-One Columbus Do For You?

We Clean Tough Situations: Central Ohio Suicide, Crime Scene and Biohazard Cleanup

Bio-One Columbus provides 24/7 death, crime scene, suicide cleanup and other biohazard cleanup services from trusted, experienced, and discreet professionals serving Columbus and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re in law enforcement, government, property management, or a local resident, Bio-One of Columbus has over a decade of experience serving you.

We guarantee:

Fully habitable / operational property once we leave
Complete discretion with unmarked vehicles and any special requests
Collaboration with your insurance companies

Before and After Photo of Sewage Remediation

What Services Does Bio-One Columbus Provide?

Decomposition/Unattended Death

Virus/Bacteria Disinfection

Odor Removal

Feces/Urine Cleanup

Mold Remediation

Emergency Vehicle Decontamination

Sewage Backups

Gross Filth Cleanup

And more....

Bio-One of Columbus is a leader in crime scene cleanup and biohazard decontamination services in Columbus. Our technicians are highly skilled and have been trained on OSHA's safety standards.

Bio-One of Columbus continues to be the most passionate and caring company in the cleaning services industry.
For more information, visit us at https://bioonecolumbus.com/

Twitter: @BioOneColumbus LinkedIn: Bio-One Columbus Facebook: Bio-One Columbus Instagram: Bio-One Columbus

“You are not weak for struggling. You are strong for continuing to fight.”
~Anonymous

Fentanyl 101

Lethal doses of Heroin, Carfentanil & Fentanyl
*Image courtesy of the DEA*

Safety & Cleanup

Ohio ranks 5th in the nation in drug overdose deaths, with over 5,300 deaths in 2021 alone. One of the leading causes of drug overdose deaths is fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that is used in medical settings as a pain reliever. Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is routinely found in heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and other non-regulated substances.

Production and use of fentanyl-containing products can lead to fentanyl contamination in homes, vehicles and drug laboratories. These pose a serious health threat to first responders, law enforcement and anyone entering a contaminated area. Exposure to even a very small amount of fentanyl can lead to compromised breathing, respiratory arrest and death.

If you come across a scene with possible fentanyl exposure, do not enter or attempt to clean it up yourself. Avoid disturbing the area or touching your eyes, hands or mouth after touching any potentially contaminated surface, even if you are wearing gloves. Restrict access to the area, and call Bio-One Columbus. Our trained technicians can safely decontaminate the scene with state-of-the-art equipment and proper safety and isolation gear.

The prevalence of fentanyl in Columbus is both astounding and tragic. Anytime we remediate the scene of a death by overdose, we have to suspect fentanyl, and it’s confirmed in a high percentage of our field tests.

I tell all my law enforcement contacts, property managers and anyone who may find themselves on a contaminated scene, that it is truly an immediate life threat.

Fentanyl is measured in micrograms not milligrams, so the smallest amount can knock out your respiratory drive and stop your breathing. I highly encourage people not to try to clean these scenes up themselves.

For anyone who is currently struggling with opioid or other substance addiction, there is hope and help.

If you feel that you or someone else is in immediate danger or is experiencing a drug overdose, call 911 immediately.

Signs of overdose include the following:

No response when you shake the person or call their name
Not breathing
Slow or shallow breathing (less than one breath every six seconds)
Pinpoint pupils
No response when you shake the person or rub their sternum with your knuckles
Choking, snoring, or gurgling sounds
Blue, grey, or ashen lips and fingernails
Slow, irregular pulse
No pulse
Vomiting
Seizures

If you or a loved are experiencing a mental health or substance abuse related emergency call the Netcare Access Crisis Hotline: 614-276-CARE (2273) or call the Opiate Crisis Line:614-724-HOPE (4673), which is available Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm.

You can also call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 24/7/365 at 1-800-662-4357 or visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Bio-One of Columbus is a leader in crime scene cleanup and biohazard decontamination services in Columbus. Our technicians are highly skilled and have been trained on OSHA's safety standards.

Bio-One of Columbus continues to be the most passionate and caring company in the cleaning services industry.
For more information, visit us at https://bioonecolumbus.com/

Twitter: @BioOneColumbus LinkedIn: Bio-One Columbus Facebook: Bio-One Columbus Instagram: Bio-One Columbus

“Asking for others guidance helps you see what you may not be able to see. It’s always important to check your ego and ask for help.”
– Ken Blanchard

The Dangers of Going It Alone

You've heard the adage that asking for help somehow means being "weak," "not smart enough," or "dependent." Yet in this world, we never truly do things on our own -- as leaders, parents, family members, colleagues, and friends, the connection and engagement with others keeps us healthy and happy.

If you find a tenant or a family member who has gotten overwhelmed with cleaning, decluttering or managing their household safety, this is definitely not a time to go it alone.

On a practical level, while you want to help the person right away by potentially cleaning a cluttered and unsanitary space, it may lead to a host of additional issues, such as:

The spread of viruses or bacteria possibly being inhaled without proper ventilation equipment.
Bedbugs or other insects taking an unintended trip on your clothing to your own home or other spaces.
Contaminants that can cause physical harm without proper disposal.
Feeling overwhelmed yourself and experiencing more stress and anxiety.

Please contact us to remove the hazards for you -- that way you don't waste time trying to figure out what you don't know, and you'll have more time to do the things that matter.

At Bio-One of Columbus, our trained technicians will:

Remain discreet, using unmarked vehicles and honoring special requests
Communicate with you every step of the way and follow up with questions
Properly dispose of any waste gathered at the site

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of this month and our newsletter theme of Asking for Help, we offer this information and reminders as a way to support all of us in our health journey.

Statistics about Breast Cancer

Breast cancer caused 685,000 deaths globally in 2020.
Roughly half of all breast cancers occur in women with no specific risk factors other than sex and age.
Breast cancer occurs in every country in the world.
Approximately 0.5–1% of breast cancers occur in men.

Signs & Symptoms

Breast cancer can have combinations of symptoms, especially when it is more advanced. Most people will not experience any symptoms when the cancer is still early.

Symptoms of breast cancer can include:

a breast lump or thickening, often without pain
change in size, shape or appearance of the breast
dimpling, redness, pitting or other changes in the skin
change in nipple appearance or the skin surrounding the nipple (areola)
abnormal or bloody fluid from the nipple.

Please seek medical care if you find a lump in your breast, even if the lump does not hurt.

Most breast lumps are not cancer. Breast lumps that are cancerous are more likely to be successfully treated when they are small and have not spread to nearby lymph nodes. Be sure to do your breast self-exam monthly and reach out for medical advice asap if you find a lump.

Bio-One of Columbus is a leader in crime scene cleanup and biohazard decontamination services in Columbus. Our technicians are highly skilled and have been trained on OSHA's safety standards.

Bio-One of Columbus continues to be the most passionate and caring company in the cleaning services industry.
For more information, visit us at https://bioonecolumbus.com/

Twitter: @BioOneColumbus LinkedIn: Bio-One Columbus Facebook: Bio-One Columbus Instagram: Bio-One Columbus