You can easily see everything that is burned, charred and melted after a structure fire. You will even notice the dark powder-like substance that is collected on top of surfaces. This substance is called soot and is one of the common particles released through smoke.
WHAT IS SOOT?
Have you ever wondered why the black sticky stuff around your chimney doesn’t just fall off? Soot sticks to every surface as it settles! It is very difficult to remove without the correct equipment. This particulate matter is created during the combustion of fuels and sticks together as a solid form. So how do you remove it?
HOW IT’S CLEANED
After a fire, your home can look like the inside of that chimney. Imagine trying to remove all of that! A professional fire restoration company will identify areas that can be structurally cleaned or removed. Part of the cleaning process includes sanitizing and deodorizing until it is restored to a pre-loss condition. This is a vital step to keep you safe!
WHY IT’S HARMFUL
It is not advisable to clean up smoke and soot on your own because of its health hazards. It’s particularly dangerous for its effects on the heart and lungs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified the following effects when inhaling very small particulate matter:
- premature death in people with heart or lung disease
- nonfatal heart attacks
- irregular heartbeat
- aggravated asthma
- decreased lung function
- increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathing
Dealing with the aftermath of a fire can be complicated as it is devastating. You can reduce the stress of the clean up with the right fire restoration company. If you have had a large loss or minor incident, call the Phoenix Team to walk through your personalized plan and rise up from disaster!