Question: Hello LCS Laboratory. We recently had kitchen fire and the damage was repaired by our insurance company. We want to be sure that there is nothing dangerous in the air before move back in. Can you test for this? M.J.
Answer. Hello M.J. During a fire, thousand’s of chemicals are produced, and unfortunately there is no single test that can check for all hazardous vapors. On this page we will discuss what to watch for when you house was repaired after a fire. Once your contractor invites you back home after the renovation, have a pen ready and keep the following notes on your observations:
- You visited the location and do not notice the smell of smoke, or see any fire related stains on the walls and ceiling. If this is the case, the air quality in your home is likely good, and it is possible that you do not need air quality testing.
If you can smell distinct odor of fire smoke, we can collect phenols from air. Phenols are indicators of the presence of residual smoke in air. The phenols rarely cause health problems, and at low concentration they are mostly a nuisance.- If you see soot stains on windows, mirrors, or china, we are able measure the soot concentration on them. Soot on surfaces is not regulated, but is definitely an indicator of poor cleaning practices used by your contractor. Soot in the air can be tested to ensure that there are no immediate health risks.
- When you see oily, tar-like stains with a distinct smoky odor you need to show your contractor. This is pitch or creosote. It is packed with all kinds of dangerous chemicals including Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH). PAH’s are known carcinogens, and should be tested if pitch is detected. We offer PAH analysis on wipe and air samples.
- If the house was built before 1985, then it is likely that it contains lead paint. You can collect wipe samples of construction dust and air samples for lead to prevent lead poisoning.
If you need to order those or any other tests, please email us at your convenience.
