Smoke Damage Testing Lab

Cinnaminson, NJ, December 2, 2016   

Massive wildfires in Eastern Tennessee have torched hundreds of homes and businesses and has even taken the lives of several residents. Many neighborhoods were evacuated and several were even placed under curfew.

Numerous homes and businesses have tragically been lost to the fires, but in certain cases, some buildings remain standing next to others that have burned to the ground with little visible damage. However, many of these buildings have been impacted by the tremendous amount of smoke generated by the fires. In fact, homes and businesses even a significant distance from where the flames occurred are often impacted by the thick smoke that can drift for a considerably far length.

Smoke from wildfires is filled with combustion by-products that include soot, ash and char. When these particulates enter a property, they often leave behind damage that is not always immediately evident. Odors, discoloration and "ghosting" effects can result from these combustion by-products. Over time, their presence can cause etching and corrosion.

“Property damage and health issues for building occupants can occur from the presence of smoke residues in a property,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “Although smoke damage is covered by many property insurance policies, it is often left to the policyholder to provide proof of damages to effectively settle an insurance claim. The scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc., having years of experience and access to advanced instrumentation, are experts at smoke damage and residue testing. These services can be instrumental in assisting property owners, insurance adjusters and environmental consultants following these types of events.”

EMSL has sponsored an online video about wildfire smoke damage to homes and buildings that can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/c0ksscTorHI. 

To learn more about soot and smoke damage testing services, please visit www.SootTesting.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. For more information or access to EMSL’s Fire & Smoke Damage Test Kit, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.  

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.