Smoke & Fire Damage Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, October 7, 2026

Fire Prevention Month, observed each October, encourages people to reduce the risk of fires at home, work, and school. While prevention is essential for protecting lives and property, a fire's effects can persist long after the flames are extinguished.

Many fire-related hazards are not immediately visible. Smoke and soot can spread throughout a structure, settling on surfaces and penetrating building materials, furnishings, and HVAC systems. Even small fires can leave behind contamination that impacts indoor environmental quality.

The growing use of lithium-ion batteries has introduced additional concerns. When these batteries ignite, they can burn intensely, reignite unexpectedly, and release toxic gases, heavy metals, and ultrafine particles that may contaminate indoor environments.

Depending on the materials involved, fires can generate airborne particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other harmful contaminants. Fires involving plastics and synthetic materials may also produce dioxins and furans. Lingering smoke odors can indicate contamination remains within building materials or ventilation systems.

Recovery efforts can create additional challenges. Fire damage and cleanup activities may disturb asbestos-containing materials, lead-based paint, silica-containing building products, and other existing hazards. Water used to extinguish a fire can also contribute to mold growth if affected materials are not dried quickly.

“Many people focus on the immediate damage caused by a fire, but the environmental consequences can persist long afterward,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Identifying contaminants and understanding potential exposure risks are important steps in returning a property to a safe and healthy condition.”

EMSL's network of laboratories provides testing services for a wide range of fire- and smoke-related contaminants. The company also offers environmental test kits, sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments, building inspection tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for environmental professionals, restoration contractors, facility managers, and property owners.

To help raise awareness, EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about Fire Prevention Month available at: https://youtu.be/J2vfrQdqWpo 

For more information about EMSL's laboratory services and environmental monitoring products, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email [email protected]. To access test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

 

 

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.