Structural and Wildfire Smoke / Soot Assessments

Wildfires and structure fires negatively impact the environment, not only causing property damage but also leaving airborne contaminants such as smoke, soot (also known as black carbon), ash, and char which can negatively affect our health as well.

Inhaling smoke for a short period of time decreases the body’s oxygen supply and can cause acute effects. Soot can also contain ammonia, carbon monoxide, tar, hydrogen chloride, sulfide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, and hundreds of other chemicals resulting in the greatest long-term health risks.

Many property owners are not aware of the dangers and expense associated with smoke and soot damage. Smoke and soot can not only damage porous surfaces such as furnishings, drywall, and clothing, soot residue can even damage other substrates such as metal, glass and plastics due to its corrosive properties.

STRUCTURAL AND WILDFIRE SMOKE / SOOT ASSESSMENTS

Each year, over 7 million acres burn in the United States due to Wildfires and over 450,000 structural fires are reported. Wildfires and structure fires impact the environment, not only causing property damage but also leaving airborne contaminants such as smoke, soot (also known as black carbon), ash, and char.

Difference Between Structural and Wildfires

In a Structural Fire, particulate matter is disbursed in the air. One of the biggest dangers comes from VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) which are toxic byproducts that are released from contents commonly found in structures such as synthetic polymers from nylon, polyester, Teflon, and epoxy. This is known as off gassing and it can have a negative impact when inhaled due to the poisonous and acidic gases released such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride and hydrogen cyanide.

In a Wildfire, fine particles that can be dangerous are also disbursed in the air. These particles tend to come from more organic sources such as brush, plants and trees, and is comprised of a mixture of gaseous pollutants such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, water vapor and particle pollution. Particle pollution represents a main component of wildfire smoke and the principal health concern.

Dangers of Smoke and Soot to Property and Health

Many property owners are not aware of the dangers and expense associated with smoke and soot damage. Smoke, soot, char and ash particles can travel great distances, even across state lines, before resting on and penetrating buildings. These airborne contaminants not only leave a noxious odor, they can cause damage to the building structure and contents within. They can also negatively impact air quality, water supply and soil.

Smoke and soot can not only damage porous surfaces such as furnishings, drywall, and clothing, soot residue is highly acidic in nature and can damage other substrates such as metal, glass and plastics due to its corrosive properties. Soot particles are also likely to be

drawn into other, more concealed, areas such as the HVAC system causing even further damage.

While soot is not always visible to the naked eye, it can cause numerous adverse health issues if the particles of soot are inhaled into the lungs. These particles are toxic and can cause respiratory problems. Inhaling smoke/soot for a short period of time decreases the body’s oxygen supply and can cause acute effects such as:

Stinging Eyes, Coughing and Scratchy Throat
Difficulty Breathing and/or Chest Pain

Headaches
Rapid Heartbeat

Additionally, smoke/soot can also contain ammonia, carbon monoxide, tar, hydrogen chloride, sulfide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, ketones, carboxylic acids, and hundreds of other chemicals. Many of these particles can lodge deep in the lungs resulting in the greatest long-term health risks such as:

Worsening Asthma Symptoms
Lung Irritation and/or Compromised Lung Function

Bronchitis and/or COPD
Heart Complications

How Are Smoke/Soot Assessments Performed?

Smoke/Soot Assessments include comprehensive site assessments of affected areas in order to identify the potential sources of combustion. Ambient Air samples and /or specific source samples of suspect areas are taken and analyzed by an American Industrial Hygiene Association accredited laboratory in order to determine the presence and characterization of soot particulates. Upon receipt of analytical data, TRUST Environmental Solutions will issue a comprehensive Smoke/Soot Assessment report to all relevant parties which includes the analytical findings, recommendations and a detailed scope of work for remediation.