Don't let smoke burn you
Fall is here; trees are changing colors because of cooler temperatures, most of us are starting up our stoves and fireplaces for the first time this season.
Over the next couple of weeks, I thought I would discuss something that all of us dread and that is a fire in our home. Home fires sometimes cost lives and place a huge financial strain on our personal budgets. Most of us have fire insurance, which does help relieve most of the financial burden.
The first 72 hours after a fire is the most critical time period because the soot created by the fire is acidic, and will continue to cause damage to your personal belongings. Even though the air may seem clear, it is not. Soot generally runs between 0.01 and 0.03 microns in size. These small particles float in the air and will eventually land on every surface in the home.
There are three components necessary for combustion to occur: fuel, oxygen and an ignition or heat source. Soot/smoke is the product of incomplete combustion made visible by the presence of small particles of carbon. Any substance which can burn will burn. Not only is the residue a mess to clean up, it is also classified as a carcinogen.
Smoke odor is normally classified into three categories.
1. Protein odors — These odors are created from burnt meat, fish or poultry. The residue is brown/yellow in color. The texture is greasy and very difficult to remove.
2. Natural substance odors — These odors result from burnt wood, paper, cotton, jute, etc. The residue is gray/black. The texture is powdered in consistency.
3. Synthetic substance odors — These odors result from burnt plastic, synthetic textiles, etc. The residue is black in color and smudges easily. Smoke webs are normally formed in the upper corners of a room. Streamers are often found hanging from curtains and curtain rods, ceiling fans, etc.
Smoke is influenced by five factors:
A. Heat. Heat causes surface pores to expand, which traps soot.
B. Pressure. Pressure is caused by intensity of the heat. It enables smoke to penetrate every crack and crevice.
C.Impingement. Impingement is splatter. Splatter occurs when a surface is hit with sufficient velocity to remain on the surface.
D. Magnetism. Smoke is attracted to metal surfaces, e.g. plumbing, pipes, nail heads, metal-coated hangers, etc.
E. Ionization. Opposite charges attract, forming smoke webs on structural surfaces. Plastic bags originating at the dry cleaners retain static electrical charges, which attract smoke. Actually, there is far more soot residue on garment-protecting bags than found on unprotected clothing.
In next week's article, I will discuss smoke odor removal systems.
If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES at 255-2266, or e-mail them to madan@surf1.ws or drop them off at the Daily Bee, 310 Church St., or mail them to or mail them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Box 159, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?
For more information about Ed, check him out at www.NWEES.com.
Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the CEO of Northwet Executive and Environmental Services, LLC.