New Purdue Guide: Personal Safety When Visiting Fire-Damaged Property

Purdue University has released a new six-page guide by Andrew Whelton, Todd Thalhamer, and Eric Bollens warning that serious hazards may be present whether a structure burned or remains standing. Residents should not judge safety by sight or smell. In standing smoke-damaged buildings, particles, gases, and vapors can enter wall cavities, HVAC systems, furniture, and belongings; the guide recommends environmental assessment before extended occupancy and testing before remediation.

It also notes that no single contaminant can reliably indicate whether others are present, and that N95 respirators filter particles but do not protect against organic vapors. The guidance draws on peer-reviewed research and fire-response experience but is not itself a peer-reviewed journal article.

Action: Read the Purdue guide