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Managing lingering contaminants after a wildfire
Research, including the study Indoor Air Quality in Homes Impacted by Wildfires: Persistent Chemical Contamination and Strategies for Mitigation, published in December 2024 by The American Chemical Society, highlights the significant challenges of restoring IAQ after wildfires. According to the author’s findings and research, “In WUI (wildland-urban interface) fires, fuels do not just include vegetation, but also include materials such as roofing, siding, furniture, carpeting, insulation, electronics, wiring, tires, and plastics, which could change the compounds found in smoke-affected indoor environments.”
The study examined using air purifiers with filters and better ventilation to reduce VOCs like naphthalene. During treatment, these methods worked well and quickly lowered the levels of VOCs in the air. But once the treatment stopped, the VOC levels went back up, almost to where they started. This testing showed that while these methods can temporarily clean the air, they don’t solve the problem of where the VOCs are coming from.
The study’s key findings include:
- Persistent Contaminants: Even after initial cleaning and restoration, certain VOCs and particulate matter associated with wildfire smoke can remain in indoor environments. These contaminants can off-gas over time, continuously degrading IAQ.
- Health Implications: Prolonged exposure to remaining contaminants may lead to health risks, including respiratory problems and other long-term health effects, highlighting the need for effective mitigation strategies.
- Mitigation Strategies: The study suggests that traditional cleaning methods may not suffice for complete decontamination. It recommends the adoption of advanced air purification technologies and continuous IAQ monitoring to effectively manage and reduce indoor pollutants.
Pyure’s Hydroxyl Generators: Your trusted partner in IAQ and VOC reduction
Contact a Pyure representative to help you select the correct unit that meets your use case and local requirements.
Pyure’s hydroxyl generators leverage the power of atmospheric hydroxyl radicals to decompose VOCs and other pollutants at the molecular level. This process is supported by findings from the 2017 study published in the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, which demonstrates the efficiency of hydroxyl radicals in breaking down complex VOCs into harmless byproducts like water and carbon dioxide.
Additionally, Pyure’s technology includes an FDA Class II Medical device approved for use in sensitive medical environments, ensuring its safety and effectiveness in the most demanding settings. Pyure also offers units that are CARB-certified, meeting strict air quality and emissions standards, further highlighting its reliability and compliance with environmental regulations.
How Pyure Supports Post-Wildfire Restoration
Effective VOC Decomposition: Pyure’s technology addresses VOCs, including those that end up on surfaces and are released into the air during wildfires, ensuring a significant improvement in IAQ over time.- Safe and Continuous Operation*: Unlike some air purification methods, hydroxyl generators are safe for use in occupied spaces. They allow owners and restoration professionals to work without interruption while ensuring ongoing air and surface decontamination.
- Odor Neutralization: Persistent smoke odors can make spaces uninhabitable. Pyure’s hydroxyl generators neutralize these odors, enhancing comfort and livability.
- Prevention of Mold Growth: Post-fire environments are prone to mold due to water used in firefighting. Pyure’s units effectively neutralize mold spores, reducing the risk of growth and further IAQ degradation.
- Indoor Air Quality Monitoring: Combining air purification with sensors that monitor and visualize your IAQ can help you understand the air quality in your environment in real-time, including VOCs that persist after smoke from a fire has visibly dissipated.
Why Restoration and Remediation Professionals Choose Pyure
Restoration and remediation companies specializing in wildfire-damaged homes and commercial buildings need reliable tools to address complex IAQ challenges. Pyure’s hydroxyl generators offer:
- Proven Efficacy: Supported by peer-reviewed research, Pyure’s technology consistently reduces VOCs and other pollutants.
- Non-Disruptive Deployment: Safe for use around people, Pyure’s solutions enable continuous air purification without requiring occupants to vacate*.
- Scalable Solutions: Pyure generators are suitable for residential and commercial applications and can be tailored to fit the unique needs of any project.
Long-Term Benefits for Homes and Businesses
Pyure’s hydroxyl generators go beyond immediate restoration, offering long-term benefits that protect occupants and enhance IAQ:
- Continuous Treatment of VOCs: Persistent operation mitigates the risk of recontamination from embedded residues.
- Health and Safety: Reduced exposure to harmful chemicals ensures a healthier environment for occupants.
- Sustainability: By maintaining high IAQ standards, Pyure’s technology contributes to long-term resilience against future environmental challenges.
- Visualization of what can’t be seen: By adding IAQ monitoring, air can be cleaned to desired air quality parameters; commercial systems can adapt to the air quality readings and deliver the purification power required to meet the environment’s needs while safeguarding critical processes and reducing operational costs.
Optimizing IAQ After Wildfires
Improving IAQ is an important step in restoring homes and commercial buildings after wildfires. Pyure’s hydroxyl generators provide an innovative and natural solution to eliminating VOCs, neutralizing odors, and creating healthier indoor environments. With proven technology and a commitment to continuous improvement, Pyure is an essential partner in post-wildfire restoration efforts. Contact us to learn more.
*Please adhere to state and regional guidelines around the use of air purification products. Contact us to help you select the correct product for your use case.
