A fire produces numerous substances that are toxic to humans, and these combustion residues can affect the health of occupants. The Fire Test Kit allows you to determine the level of indoor environmental contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The Fire Test Kit can be used:
- After a fire or fire damage, not only in the burned area but also in adjacent rooms contaminated by soot that has seeped in. The results help assess the level of contamination from combustion residues and determine whether occupants can remain in the fire-damaged area without risk to their health.
- After a decontamination operation to verify the absence of combustion residues hazardous to humans and to assess the effectiveness of the decontamination following a fire or fire damage.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemical compounds produced during combustion processes. They are found in particular in tobacco smoke, tar, creosote, and cooking activities. They may also be present in the indoor air of homes with a fireplace or wood-burning stove. PAHs are markers detected following a fire or fire damage. Exposure to PAHs poses health risks. In fact, benzo[a]pyrene is classified as a known carcinogen, and many other PAHs are classified as possible or probable carcinogens. Furthermore, many PAHs are suspected of being endocrine disruptors.
Aromatic hydrocarbons in the benzene family (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, and naphthalene) are also substances formed during the combustion of organic materials, such as during a fire. They are also present in many building, decorative, and renovation materials. After a fire, high concentrations of these chemical compounds contaminate indoor air. Benzene is a carcinogen, and the other aromatic compounds are classified as possible or probable carcinogens, or even neurotoxic and toxic to reproduction and development.
One Fire Safety Kit is required per room being tested.
For each category of pollutants, you will receive a comprehensive report detailing: the list of pollutants tested for in your samples, the pollutants detected and their concentrations, toxicological data regarding the detected pollutants, and recommendations for improving the quality of your indoor environment.
Minimum order required: 5 kits.
Test kit to assess indoor air quality and contamination from combustion residues following a fire.
When organic materials are burned, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and aromatic VOCs (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes (BTEX), naphthalene) are formed.