Home Health & Safety Glossary

Essential terms every homeowner should know about fire safety, air quality, water testing, and environmental health. Get clear, actionable explanations backed by science.

Showing 5 terms in Fire Safety & Smoke Damage

PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)

Cancer-causing compounds from wildfire smoke that persist on indoor surfaces for 40+ days

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Heavy Metals in Dust

Lead, arsenic, and cadmium contamination in household dust from wildfire smoke, often above health guidelines

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VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Toxic chemicals like benzene and acrolein from wildfire smoke that cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues

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Soot Load

Fine black carbon particles smaller than 1 micron that penetrate deep into lungs and HVAC systems

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Post-Fire Cleanup

EPA-guided cleaning process using HEPA vacuuming, wet wiping, and MERV-13 filters to remove wildfire contamination

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