General (top of page)
Soot, but also mould which often occur after water pollution, is harmful to human health. The health authorities therefore insist that no soot may be permitted in a room, air treatment installation or air duct. The health risks that may result from exposure to soot, soot fumes or mycotoxin due to mould forming are diverse in character. Headaches, coughing, breathing problems and irritation of the mucous membranes of the eye, nose and throat are the most frequent complaints, which can occur individually or in combination with each other.

In an investigation of soot penetration it is established if, and to what extent, soot particles have been spread throughout the building or penetrated into hygroscopic materials or air treatments ducts. Hygroscopic materials are porous and absorb the fumes and emissions caused by fire; the best known of these is the pungent smell of burning. Ceiling tiles and insulation materials made of mineral or glass wool, which have been penetrated by soot, are almost impossible to clean and almost always need to be replaced. Replacement or cleaning – if possible – is absolutely necessary as an elevated room temperature – for example during the summer time – can cause evaporation of soot or soot-by-products, resulting in health hazards.

Soot penetration investigation methods (top of page)
This investigation consists of the following stages:

• Research by endoscope, possibly combined with digital camera.
  
• The collection of samples with dust wipes for the purpose of microscopic analysis.
  
• Microscopic analysis to identify the dust type and size of particles.
  
• Olfactory research of the samples taken with dust wipes, after heat treatment.
  
• Visual inspection.

In an olfactory investigation it is established if the collected samples are affected by the smell of burning. By treating the samples with heat (temperate and relative humidity have been previously defined) the molecules that are affected by soot break open and the smell of burning is clearly perceptible.

Are you interested? (top of page)
For more details please feel free to contact Monit'air. We will be pleased
to inform you without further obligation about our investigation methods and costs.