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Fire Investigation Testing and Combustion By-Products

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Fire Investigation Testing Services

Ensure safety, compliance, and thorough restoration with Eurofins’ expert fire investigation testing. Whether you’re dealing with wildfire residues, structural fire impacts, or smoke damage, our comprehensive testing solutions provide the insights needed for effective remediation and insurance compliance.

 

Why Choose Fire Investigation Testing?

Fires can cause extensive damage to property and health through the release of combustion by-products—gases and small particles from incomplete fuel burning. These residues, including soot, char, ash, organic compounds, and metal oxides, can linger on surfaces and in the air, posing health risks and complicating cleanup efforts.

Our fire investigation testing services help:

  • Identify and evaluate combustion by-products.
  • Guide remediation professionals with precise contamination data.
  • Support insurance claims with reliable documentation.

Comprehensive Testing Solutions

At Eurofins, we offer tailored solutions to meet the unique demands of fire investigation and restoration.

 

Sampling Methods

We utilize advanced sampling techniques to ensure accurate and reliable data:

  • Tape Lifts: Ideal for surface-level residue collection on smooth surfaces.
  • Wipes: Effective for chemical and particle analysis on non-porous surfaces.
  • MicroVac: Specialized for porous and uneven surfaces.
  • Air Sampling: Detects airborne combustion by-products with implications for respiratory health.

Sampling Method

Advantages

Disadvantages

Tape Lifts

Good collection efficiency for particles with typical dust loading;
Defined sample area for analysis;
Maintains particle integrity during collection;
Little to no damage to captured particles

Low collection efficiency for rough surfaces;
Extremely fine particles (e.g., soot) can be obscured by the tape adhesive;
TEM confirmation of soot cannot be applied;
Limited sampling area per tape lift

Wipe

Able to sample relatively large area;
Efficient for relatively smooth nonporous surfaces with low or heavy loading;
Can be used for TEM soot confirmation analysis and chemical analysis (e.g., PAHs)

Not appropriate for porous surface;
Physical separation of particles collected as agglomerates often results;
Liquid agents may degrade or solubilize the particles;
Can remove finishes (e.g., paint), affecting analytical results

Microvac

Easy sample preparation in the lab;
Effective for collecting particles from porous and uneven surfaces;
Permits the confirmatory identification of soot by TEM;
Permits chemical analysis of collected material

Ineffective for collecting particles from relative smooth, nonporous surfaces with low loading;
Does not preserve positions of particles on the original surface;
Can induce damage to delicate structures or agglomerates such as char and ash

Air

Easy sample preparation in the lab;
Can determine if combustion-by-products is airborne;
Can have direct respiratory health implication;
Can be used for soot confirmation by TEM

Limited to airborne particles only;
Can be significantly reduced if sampling is done after extensive period from the fire damage

 

Analytical Services

Our testing capabilities range from basic detection to advanced chemical and microscopic analyses, including:

  • Presence/absence analysis of combustion by-products.
  • Advanced sourcing analysis to identify the origin of residues.
  • Comprehensive chemical profiling for detailed insights.

 

Tailored Testing Packages

 

Fire Source

Recommended Testing

Wildfires - initial inspection and post cleanup verification

PLM, Corrosivity, Anion panels

Wildfires - structural impact assessments

PLM, Corrosivity, Anion panel, or Chloride 

Structural fires

PLM, Corrosivity, TEM/SEM confirmation, Chloride 

Disaster fires

PLM, Corrosivity, Anion panel, or Chloride 

Smoke impact from nearby fire (wildfire or structure fire)

TO-13A, TO-15

Forensic investigation

Assemblage

 

Why Partner with Eurofins?

With decades of experience, Eurofins is a trusted name in fire investigation testing and combustion by-product analysis. Our expertise helps restoration professionals, property managers, and insurance providers tackle fire damage efficiently and effectively.

 

Benefits of Choosing Us:

  • Accurate Results: Advanced methods and state-of-the-art laboratories ensure precision.
  • Custom Solutions: Testing packages tailored to your specific needs.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Support for insurance claims and safety requirements.
  • Expert Support: Dedicated professionals to guide you through the process.

 

Get Started Today

Don’t leave fire damage to chance. Contact Eurofins Built Environment Testing for reliable, professional fire investigation testing services. Let us help you restore safety and confidence after a fire.

Learn more about our services today!

Eurofins values your inquiries about our company, capabilities, and services. We are committed to assisting the industries that we serve to find the most cost effective and complete analytical solutions to meet your needs.


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