Is Soot Dangerous? What You Should Know

One of the basic dangers of a fire, whether big or small, is Soot. Soot is basically the leftover smoke particles that are extremely toxic in nature. These are usually formulated after plastic, wood, and synthetic fabrics are caught in fire and leave soot behind. The chemical composition of soot contains metals, wood, and other alarming toxins that are absorbed and introduced into your body via inhalation or indigestion. Because of its acidic properties, it is highly dangerous for any living being.

In any given circumstance, if there is a fire, once you have dealt with the damage and property formalities, the next step is to ensure a proper detailed sanitization and cleanup of the entire area.

Soot from a house fire several blocks away can cause soot to even build up in your house because it is airborne.

Not only are there devastating fires, but soot is also often accumulated and mixed with the air that we breathe through the fireplaces or candles we light. Although it is in small amounts that at times go unnoticed, when it starts to consistently build up, it takes the form of a serious threat that has multiple adverse health effects.

How to Clean Soot?

Soot can easily attach itself to any surface, making it difficult for you to clean and sanitize. It needs to be removed quickly so that it doesn’t cause any further harm to the health of anyone who is exposed.

• Start by wearing protective gear for the entire body. You must keep yourself well-protected as soot can enter the human body via the eyes or nose. A face shield is a must after wearing at least a double-ply mask to protect yourself.

• Always seek professional help first; if you have the right equipment and tools, proceed with caution, or just wait for the professionals to remove soot entirely from your house.

• Start from the top and gradually work your way down to ground level. It is compromised if your house has an air conditioning or HVAC system. You need to clean air filters and air ducts to remove any traces of soot.

• The ceilings, walls, and floors are all bound to have soot that you must remove with cleaners. Thermal fogging and air scrubbing are some new technologies recommended after a fire to reduce traces of soot buildup in and around the property.

• Soot can also appear around the areas in your house constantly exposed to heat and fire, such as furnaces or heaters, candles, fireplaces, and even your stovetop. These areas cover a smaller space, and you can easily soot them with some grease cleaners if the job is done consistently and thoroughly.

• After cleaning the soot, make sure that you ask the professional service to run an indoor air quality test to ensure complete removal and clean air.

The Dangers of Soot

Soot can cause serious health hazards that are potentially harmful to the human body. It can affect patients with breathing concerns and can even kickstart health concerns in a perfectly able person. Soot is a buildup of toxic acidic particles that can enter the human body via the eyes or nose.

Some dangers include:

• Asthma Attacks
• Breathing Concerns
• Headaches 
• Coronary Heart Issues
• Sore throat
• Allergies 
• Respiratory issues
• Irritated skin and eyes.
• Bronchitis, etc.

Apart from these, soot can cause mild irritation and sneezing or coughing concerns in infants and pets. Therefore, soot removal is advised at the earliest, followed by a complete air quality check and consistent cleaning of upholstery and other potential surfaces.