Fire Inspections and Air Quality Tests Based Out of Carthage, MO, and Available Nationally
Schedule an Air Quality Test in Carthage, MO, or Anywhere in the U.S. with Springfield Quality Services
Anyone that has experienced a fire knows that smoke damage can cause more than mere cosmetic issues– it can seep through walls, ceilings, floors, and objects, leaving its chemicals behind. These chemicals have the potential to cause severe health issues and may even be fatal. Getting an air quality test is a great way to check if the air in the area is safe for breathing.
Fire smoke contains a mix of gases, particles, and chemicals. When one breathes in smoke from a fire, they may realize that their eyes, throat, and nose are irritated. Those who have asthma or other cardiovascular or respiratory conditions may also be more vulnerable to the health side effects that come from smoke exposure.
Smoke is the “fuel” that was left over after you put out the fire. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted tests on wood smoke and discovered carbon monoxide, methane, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, benzene, acetic acid, formic acid, toluene, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, organic carbon, and even residues of heavy metals.
Chemicals Linger After The Fire is Gone
During and after a fire, hundreds of different reaction products are produced. All of today’s modern furniture, construction, and insulating materials are contaminated with harmful substances. These cancer-causing compounds go airborne during a fire and combine with the smoke’s qualities to form carcinogens which is why air quality tests are so important. Some of the most apparent elements of these products are the soot, char, and ash that make up a portion of the elements. Unlike some chemicals, which evaporate quickly and do not provide a long-term contamination threat, some chemicals might remain for several weeks, months, or even years, generating concern about chronic impacts and ambiguity about the efficacy of the cleanup procedure.
Protect Your Air
If you find yourself living in an area that has had a recent fire, here are ways to prevent any health issues from occurring while waiting for an air quality test from a professional:
- Stay indoors and with windows closed (if fire occurred outdoors)
- Clean all fabric-covered furniture and other fabric objects in the home.
- Look out for air quality alerts from your local weather station.
- Close the fresh air intake on your air conditioner to prevent outdoor air from entering your home.
- Use an air purifier.
We’re Here to Help
With Springfield Quality Services testing, our testing procedure determines the presence of specific compounds related to fire damage. Depending on their capacity to meet the three essential requirements of uniformity, volatility, and detectability, the chemical compounds are categorized into two indicators, primary and secondary, and then further subdivided.
If you live in an area that has recently experienced a fire and are now noticing a difference in your air quality, call our office at (417) 323-6235 to schedule an air quality test or click the button below to fill out our form.