LCS Laboratory Inc., offers several tests that have been specifically developed for Fire Investigators, Fire Damage Appraisers, and Insurance professionals. These tests are designed to evaluate for traces of smoke and fire damage that are not obvious to the naked eye. To achieve this we investigate the cleanliness of surfaces, trace contamination of air, odor investigations and more.
The following classes of chemicals can be found in a building that was damaged by fire:
- Gases. Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Formaldehyde, Ammonia and others. They are extremely toxic, but quickly dissipate over a short period of time, and can only be detected within the first few hours after a fire. Usually, the gases are of no concern when you investigate the extent of fire damage.
- Solvents and organic vapors. The presence of solvents in the air can usually be identified by a “chemical” smell in the house. The solvents are not a product of the fire but often are results of household chemicals that have spilled. LCS Laboratory can help you to measure the concentration of solvents in the air. An elevated level of solvents indicate that a solvent spill is present and must be cleaned.
- Creosote mist and vapors (volatile fraction). Creosote, wood creosote, or wood pitch is a dark-brown viscous liquid with a high boiling point in the range of 200ºC-600°C. Creosote is responsible for the very recognizable smell of fire, which is caused by volatile phenols and similar aromatic compounds. The vapor is toxic and some components of the creosote are carcinogenic. Creosote is not a single compound, but rather a complex mixture of hundreds of chemicals produced during fire. Two major chemical groups were identified in creosote condensate:
- Phenols,
- Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PAC)
- Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)
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Creosote tar deposit (non volatile fraction). Creosote precipitates on walls, floors, ceilings, and any other surfaces that are damaged by smoke. The creosote is responsible for the brownish color developed in buildings with smoke damage. When in contact with your skin, creosote can cause eczema. Some components of the tar are carcinogenic. We collect samples on swabs and analyze them for creosote and it components. - Soot in the air. Soot is a a form of carbon particles (dust) resulting from the incomplete combustion of organic materials like fuel, polymers, hydrocarbons, wood and paper. Soot is also known as “Elemental Carbon” this term is commonly used by the mining industry, and “Diesel Particulates” when it is produced by the incomplete combustion of diesel fuel. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA USA) indicates that soot causes the following health effects: Irritation-Eyes—Mild (HE-16); Potential lung damage (HE-10); Suspected carcinogen (HE2) .
- Soot deposit. Soot precipitates as fine black dust on all surfaces of the building damaged by fire. Soot can be collected on gauze wipes and sent to our laboratory for testing. This test is commonly used as a way to find the extent of the area that was damaged by smoke.
- Ash deposit. This test detects traces of fire ash in dust. The test is regularly used as a way to distinguish a layer of fire ash from common industrial dust. This particular test is helpful in determining if the responsibility of cleaning falls on the insurer or the client.
If you need fire investigation tests, or any other tests, please email us at your convenience.
