IAQ Testing Lab

San Diego, CA,  September 24^th , 2018


Fires destroy or damage countless homes and businesses each year. These fires may burn a structure down to the ground, but many others are saved with varying degrees of damage. 

A structure fire can be devastating and cause property damage even to neighboring buildings not directly touched by flames. This is due to the fact that building fires often produce a tremendous amount of smoke that can be carried some distance. The smoke is made up of a number of combustion by-products that may include ash, soot, char and other materials. These substances can easily infiltrate most buildings leaving behind odors and residues within the property.

When smoke damage has occurred, it is important to begin restoration services sooner rather than later to prevent additional damage. The corrosive effect of smoke residues can begin to cause extensive etching, corrosion and discoloration as time passes. Preventing additional damage and removing odors and residues can be a significant challenge for most property owners as it must be done very thoroughly.

“Smoke damage can cause indoor air and environmental quality concerns that could impact people’s health and even lower property values,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “While property insurance may cover smoke damage, it is sometimes left to the property owner to provide proof of damages. Although smoke damage can be obvious at times, in many circumstances it requires testing services to prove the presence of residues, odors and other forms of damage.”

Fire damaged buildings may have mold issues caused by the water used in the fire suppression efforts. Older buildings could also have lead and asbestos that could become an issue, especially during demolition and repair activities.

EMSL offers testing services, sampling supplies, field instrumentation and even easy-to-use test kits to help identify smoke damage, mold, lead, asbestos and other contaminants following a fire. They also recently sponsored an educational video about smoke damage that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/jUSODjn2N5w.

To learn more about testing a property for smoke and water damage, mold, asbestos, lead or other indoor air quality and environmental issues, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. For access to any of the test kits, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 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.