Fire and Smoke Testing Services

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Oralndo, Florida, October 4, 2023

In early October, a heavy haze from wildfires burning in Canada impacted the air quality of Central Florida. In fact, much of the air quality in Central Florida was determined to be in the unhealthy range due to a storm in the Atlantic forcing the wildfire smoke all the way south to Florida.

Exposure to wildfire smoke can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, as well as coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM) 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 extremely unhealthy conditions. This one of the reasons why people are often advised to stay indoors and avoid demanding activities during periods of thick smoke. It is also important to note that in many cases, wildfire smoke can make its way indoors, negatively impacting the indoor air quality (IAQ) of places where people work and live.

“The complex mixture of gases and particles in wildfire smoke can not only impact human health, it can also cause damage to the inside of homes and buildings,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Smoke residues are known to damage electronics and cause corrosion, etching and discoloration on surfaces. Wildfire smoke can also leave behind unpleasant odors. Odors and smoke residues can create indoor environmental quality problems and even impact property values.”

The good news is there are ways to test and monitor the air quality to mitigate exposure risks. Smoke damage to properties is also often covered by property insurance policies and can be documented. Helping in these efforts are the scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. With testing laboratories across Florida and dozens of other locations in North America, they offer air quality, smoke damage, residue and odor testing services. They also offer air monitoring instruments, sampling supplies, an easy-to-use Fire & Smoke Damage Test Kit, and respirators and other personal protective equipment.

To learn more about wildfire smoke testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To access smoke damage 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.