SMOKE AND FIRE DAMAGE TESTING LA COUNTY, VENTURA
SMOKE AND FIRE DAMAGE INSPECTION IN LA

Smoke and fire damage is always an unfortunate prospect for property owners. Even if the fire is next door or several miles away, the smoke damage can be considerable. Smoke testing inspection for your LA property can be critical — especially with the recent large forest fires and other fire hazards so pressed upon us. Our smoke inspection services are timely and affordable.

SMOKE FROM AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST FIRES

If you are healthy, you're usually not at a major risk from short-term exposures to smoke. Still, it's a good idea to avoid breathing smoke if you can help it. Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic matter burn. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from fine particles. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Fine particles also can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases — and even are linked to premature deaths in people with these conditions.

Run your air conditioner, if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. Note: If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. In these cases, seek alternative shelter.

Help keep particle levels inside lower. When smoke levels are high, try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves - and even candles! Don't vacuum. That stirs up particles already inside your home. And don't smoke. That puts even more pollution in your lungs, and in the lungs of people around you.  If you have asthma or other lung disease, make sure you follow your doctor's directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

If you have heart or lung disease, if you are an older adult, or if you have children, talk with your doctor about whether and when you should leave the area. When smoke is heavy for a prolonged period of time, fine particles can build up indoors even though you may not be able to see them.

TESTING FOR SMOKE PARTICLES IN THE HOME

For smoke / fire damage testing in Los Angeles county (LA, Ventura) our testing for settled smoke particles is usually performed using a wet dust wipe or tape lifts and sent to a laboratory for examination. Once at the laboratory usually the sample is screened using a microscope for “Black Carbon Soot”. Affordable Inspection Services Inc. will help guide you through the inspection and testing process. To arrange for an inspection or testing of your home please contact us at 818-886-2070 or in California at 800-761-1660.