Deadly Chicago High-Rise Fire Causes Health Concerns for Building Residents

Jan. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- Earlier this month, a fire at a Chicago high-rise killed one person and injured nine.  The fire broke out on the 12th floor of the building and parts of the structure quickly filled with thick smoke and scorching temperatures.

Structure fires can produce an enormous amount of smoke that infiltrates building.  This smoke is filled with combustion by-products that include chemicals, soot, ash and char.  The smoke can have damaging effects to both properties and to humans breathing the air.

A professional assessment is often required to determine if and where a structure has been impacted by smoke damage.  A report from a trained professional may even be required from insurance companies before they are willing to pay to have smoke damaged areas remediated.

“In additional to the direct damage the fire caused in the high-rise, a number of residents not impacted by the actual flames, now have smoke damage issues to contend with,” reported Ed Chambers, the President of EC2, Inc., a local environmental and building science consulting firm.  “Units around and below the area of the fire may also have moisture problems from the fire suppression efforts that could lead to mold growth.”

In older structures damaged by fire and smoke, additional concerns may need to be addressed before any remediation or rebuilding occurs.  Asbestos containing building materials and lead-based paints were commonly used across the nation for decades in both residential and commercial structures.  Any suspect materials need to be tested to determine a safe and legal way to remove these potentially toxic materials so they do not create a health risk for workers and building occupants.

EC2 has sponsored a video about indoor environmental concerns following a fire.  It can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXcXN7lF2G4



To learn more about environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ) and other health and safety issues, please visit http://www.4ec2inc.com, email info@4ec2inc.com or call (815) 703-9000.

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About EC2, Inc.
EC2 is a leading provider of environmental consulting and inspection services for clients across the United States. Based in the Chicago area, the company provides their services to clients ranging from local companies and institutions to international Fortune 500 Corporations.