Fire and Smoke Damage Testing

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, July 12, 2023

Wildfire smoke from hundreds of fires in Canada blanketed areas in the United States from the Midwest to the East Coast in June. Conditions got so bad that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had to issue a ground stop at New York’s LaGuardia Airport and children were not allowed outdoors during school in many districts.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and State Department of Health (DOH) issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter (PM) for parts of the state where millions of people live and work. During one day alone, over 125 million people in the region were under an air quality alert and the air quality in New York City registered as the worst in the world.

The Air Quality Health Advisory in New York warned:

Exposure can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5. 

“Wildfire smoke can also react with urban air pollution to create exceptionally unhealthy air that makes its way into homes, schools, offices and other buildings,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Smoke residues and odors can create indoor environmental quality problems and even impact property values. Smoke residues are known to damage electronics and cause corrosion, etching and discoloration on surfaces.”

The good news is smoke damage is often covered by property insurance policies, but may require proof of damage to successfully settle a claim. Helping in these efforts are the scientists at EMSL Analytical. With testing laboratories across New York, New Jersey and dozens of other locations in North America, they are experts at smoke damage, residue and odor testing. EMSL analyzes air and surface samples to assist property owners, tenants, environmental experts, and insurance companies and public adjusters. They also offer sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments and even an easy-to-use Fire and Smoke Damage Test Kit.

To learn more about smoke damage or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To access IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.  


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 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, VOCs, 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.