At Advanced MicroAnalytical we use state of the art techniques for the investigation of residues from fires. The results can be used to determine the extent of impact of fire residues throughout the structure. Advanced MicroAnalytical offers a comprehensive suite of testing services for combustion byproducts, from simple presence or absence analysis through potential sourcing analysis using advanced chemical and microscopic techniques.
Residues from fire can have a significant impact on respiratory health of those that dwell with structures that have been exposed to combustion byproducts. Testing can be done after a fire event in order to determine what areas might have been impacted, or the testing can be used during or after a cleaning or remediation in order to guide professionals in their remediation efforts. Various analysis levels are available and customized analysis is also available with the CBP Investigative testing. We offer a number of standard tests for investigators who are looking only for specific types of information, but recommend our new, CBP Investigative Method to cover the widest possible range of applications with a new, innovative reporting format and customized results tailored to your needs.
NEW! CBP Investigative:
Forensic approach to the analysis of fire residues including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and/or transmission electron microscopy for the purposes of evaluation including interpretation of results of findings as to source and relative impact of combustion related particles within the structure.
- With this analysis, there is no need to pre-select levels of testing based on what you expect to see at the sample site, the right testing will be used to get you the most information possible.
- Additional information about potential corrosive or reactive ash gathered from pH measurement. (Otherwise identical to Level 3 Analysis.)
- More detailed, representative data and reporting allows for better understanding of the nature and spread of CBP materials. We work directly with the client to provide an analysis plan based on relevant information from the site.
- For complex situations or unusual fires, we also offer a host of additional chemistry analysis methods, including IR/Raman spectroscopy and chromatography.
CBP Level I – Limited to Optical Analysis (Analysis by Optical Microscopy for presence of opaque particles associated with combustion byproducts, Qualitative Method) No confirmation of soot, char, or ash by chemistry or EM Affordable testing useful for surveys and screening
CBP Level II – Analysis by Optical Microscopy and (TEM) Transmission Electron Microscopy confirmation) Sample media preference of alcohol wipes or air samples, tape samples by special requestTEM analysis is appropriate confirming hydrocarbon fuel combustion soots. Structural fire char, ash, or other combustion particles not analyzed by EM using this method.
CBP Level III – Analysis by Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) or Transmission Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (TEM/EDS) Sampling media may include bulk sample, tape lifts, alcohol wipes, or air samples. Tape lifts preferred sampling media. Appropriate for structural, brush/wildfire, complex analysisSoot, char, ash, and other combustion materials confirmed with chemistry and EM technique
CBP Level IV – Analysis by Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) or Transmission Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (TEM/EDS) Quantitative Method) and pH measurement of bulk samples or wipes Bulk or wipes preferred for pH measurement |
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND FORENSIC SCIENCES LABORATORY
