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Property Damage and Destruction from the Largest Wildfire in Texas History

Fire and Smoke Damage Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	2/29/2024
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Property Damage and Destruction from the Largest Wildfire in Texas History
Introduction	EMSL Analytical provides laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments and test kits to identify indoor smoke damage, residues and odors caused by wildfires.
Houston, Texas, February 29, 2024 More than a million acres of land in the Texas Panhandle have succumbed to the largest wildfire in state history. Other fires are also raging in the region, leaving in their wake homes and businesses that have been burned to the ground or now suffer from various degrees of property damage. People’s health, even miles from the flames, is also a concern as exposure to wildfire smoke can cause short-term health effects. These can include 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. “It is also important to note that wildfire smoke can make its way indoors, negatively impacting the air quality inside of the places people live, work and go to school,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Wildfire smoke residues are even 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 damages to successfully settle a claim.” Helping in these efforts are the scientists at EMSL Analytical. With multiple testing laboratories in Texas, and dozens more across North America, they are experts at smoke damage, residue and odor testing. EMSL can analyze air and surface samples to assist property owners, tenants, environmental experts, insurance companies and public adjusters. They also offer sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments and an easy-to-use Fire & Smoke Damage Test Kit. To learn more about smoke damage or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing resources, 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.