What Is Soot and Is It Harmful? -Loudon, VA

The danger does not go away once the flames of a house fire are extinguished. Soot might have spread throughout your house, posing a health and structural risk. More about soot, its risks, and how to repair the damage done to your home.

What is soot from fire and why should you care?

Soot, which is made up of microscopic carbon particles, is produced when fossil fuels are burnt inefficiently (wood, oil, coal, and more). Acids, chemicals, metals, soils, and dust are among the substances found in soot. The particles have a foul odor and an unattractive appearance.

A fire's soot adheres to surfaces and spreads throughout the house. As a result, if the soot isn't removed as quickly as possible, the acidic properties of the soot might cause further harm to your property and indoor air quality.

Even if there isn't a fire, soot might sneak inside your home. Excessive candle usage might result in soot accumulation, so choose your candles carefully (they are also a fire risk). A fireplace that isn't properly ventilated might create soot. A soot pollution source is a puff back created by a furnace.

When fossil fuels are used for industrial reasons, soot is released into the environment. The chemical components of soot have a significant negative influence on the environment. In your house, soot has a similar impact, lowering indoor air quality and leaving scents and stains behind.

What are the dangers of soot exposure?

Soot causes 300,000 asthma attacks and two million missed workdays each year due to respiratory issues. Inhalation, ingestion, and skin and eye contact are all ways for soot to enter your body. Asthma, pneumonia, coronary heart disease, and even cancer can all be caused by these dangerous particles. The most vulnerable are infants, the elderly, and those who already have respiratory issues. Make sure all soot-affected areas are cleansed and disinfected after a home fire to avoid health issues from soot exposure.

How do you clean up soot? 

Plastics, foams, carpets, wood goods, and synthetic materials are likely to be found in your house. Fire restoration is a hazardous and time-consuming process due to the health risks posed by the soot created by these materials. Even if the fire was little, soot particles might travel throughout your home via the HVAC system.

Cleaning soot while wearing protective gear to protect the lungs, skin, and eyes is critical for reducing the risks of soot exposure. Specialist treatments, such as air cleaning and thermal fogging, are necessary to restore interior air quality following a fire.

Cleaning up soot needs more than a dust mask and a home cleaner! Professional tools, expertise, and ability are required to thoroughly remove soot. Your whole home may be cleaned of soot and smells, making it safe to live in.

Anthony Restoration of Loudon will assist you with smoke and fire damage restoration.