Soot, Char, and Ash Testing
Black residue is not all one thing. Soot, char, and ash are different. Ordinary dust, or residue from everyday burning such as cooking, candles, or vehicle exhaust, can look like them. Soot is extremely small carbon particles from incomplete burning. Char can still show something of what burned. Ash is the mineral residue when burning goes further. Char is an important sign that fire-related particles are present. ClearVU samples air and surfaces in New York and Vermont. The report goes to you.
ClearVU tests and documents. The restoration contractor does the cleanup.
The visit
We ask what happened, then walk the fire area, closed rooms, the attic, and accessible vents. An air sample is a pump and cassette. It is a snapshot of that day. Soot on that air sample is screening only and does not confirm soot. On smooth hard surfaces, a tape lift is for char and ash and a soot screen, not for confirming soot. A wipe is for glass, plastic, and counters. We do not wipe painted surfaces. A small vacuum cassette is for carpet, fabric, and vents. A thick deposit is a bulk sample. Confirming soot uses transmission electron microscopy on a wipe, vacuum, or bulk sample, not a tape lift. We take a comparison sample from an unaffected area when one exists. Samples go to an independent, accredited lab with chain of custody.
The report
The report goes to you. It includes observations, sample locations, and the lab results for char, ash, and soot. Screening results and confirmed results are labeled. A comparison sample is shown next to background when one was taken. Results are explained in context, not as a pass or fail. You decide who else gets the report. You can share it with your insurer or the restoration contractor.
After a fire
Particles can settle in attics, wall cavities, ductwork, and insulation. A room can look clean while residue remains. Disturbing insulation can release particles. The same sampling applies after a structure fire, a wildfire, or another combustion event. Surface samples are why the visit is not air alone.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers first. More on the FAQ page.
Is black dust soot?
Not necessarily. Ordinary dust, or residue from everyday burning such as cooking, candles, or vehicle exhaust, can look like soot, char, and ash.
Who gets the report?
The report goes to you. You decide who else gets it.
Is an air sample enough?
An air sample is usually not enough once the smoke is gone.
Request combustion byproduct testing
Call 518.832.9213 or email support [at] cvenv [dot] com. Sample drop-off at our Queensbury office.