At LCS Laboratory Inc., we offer a unique analytical service that quantifies soot contamination on surfaces. In previous publications, we have discussed the differences between soot and char, and demonstrated that soot deposits can be used to identify the boundaries of smoke damage following a fire.
Soot consists of extremely fine carbon particles mixed with oils, tars, or other trace chemicals. It is black, powdery, and very light, with typical particle sizes ranging from 0.1 to 10 microns. Due to its small size, soot travels with smoke and serves as a reliable tracer for smoke-damaged areas.
Why Laboratory Testing Matters
Soot is often confused with environmental dust, road dust deposits, or colonies of black mould. Not all black stains on walls or ceilings are related to soot—and by extension, not all are linked to fire events. When soot concentration is assessed visually or through a “soot sponge test,” the results may demonstrate the presence of dark material but do not confirm the presence of soot.
LCS Laboratory Inc. has developed and validated a laboratory test for soot analysis using surface wipes collected in accordance with the NIOSH 9102 method. Samples are typically collected using pharmaceutical-grade isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipes from a 100 cm² area of the suspect surface. Our data shows that only 30% of submitted samples actually contain soot; the remainder typically consists of environmental or construction-related dust.
Soot Concentration on Damaged and Clean Surfaces
After analysing hundreds of samples collected before and after fire restoration, we observed the following trends in surface soot deposition:
- Tier 1: < 3 µg/100 cm² – Indicates clean or undamaged surfaces. This level is typical for approximately 50% of all tested samples.
- Tier 2: > 9 µg/100 cm² – Indicates significant soot contamination. Approximately 25% of all tested surfaces exceed this concentration.
- Tier 3: > 36 µg/100 cm² – Indicates elevated soot contamination. About 10% of tested samples contain more than this level.
These tiers reflect the statistical distribution of soot found on tested surfaces. They are not intended to assess health risks but rather to assist in identifying unusually high soot contamination, particularly in areas affected by smoke.
Support for Consultants, Forensic Specialists, and Insurance Professionals
LCS Laboratory Inc. offers specialized soot testing designed to support the work of environmental consultants, forensic investigators, and insurance estimators. Our tests provide defensible, quantitative data that can help verify fire-related damage and clarify the extent of contamination.
If you believe soot analysis—or any of our other services—could benefit your project, please contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
