Fire & Smoke Damage Testing Services

As wildfires continue to impact communities across the country each year, EMSL Analytical, Inc., a leading provider of laboratory testing services and air monitoring instruments, is raising awareness about the lasting effects of wildfire smoke on indoor air quality. 

Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of fine particles and toxic gases that can travel hundreds of miles. One of the most concerning components is PM2.5, fine particulate matter small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

Short-term exposure can cause coughing, sore throats, headaches, and eye irritation, while sensitive populations, including children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with respiratory or heart conditions, face higher risks. Prolonged exposure has been linked to reduced lung function, cardiovascular problems, and increased hospitalizations.

“Many people assume the risk disappears once outdoor smoke clears, but that is often not the case,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Smoke particles can infiltrate buildings through openings and ventilation systems, then linger for weeks or months. Indoors, residues can settle into carpets, furnishings, and HVAC systems, degrading air quality, creating persistent odors, and potentially damaging electronics due to their corrosive nature.”

EMSL Analytical emphasizes the importance of proper assessment and mitigation, including evaluating indoor environments for smoke residues, improving filtration, sealing building pathways, and prioritizing indoor air quality during and after wildfire events. They support property owners, environmental professionals, and remediation specialists with comprehensive laboratory testing services, easy-to-use test kits, and a wide selection of air monitoring instruments. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about wildfire smoke’s hidden indoor risks: https://youtu.be/Ry0NZFJidjA

To learn more about smoke damage and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing resources, visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. To access IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.  

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.