Fire Particulate Analysis

Not All Dark Residue
Is Soot.
Find Out What It Is.

PLM & TEM microscopy for fire damage, insurance claims, and litigation. Expert-interpreted reports with annotated micrographs. Rush turnaround available.

PLM Microscopy TEM Microscopy ASTM-Compliant Expert Witness Available

Submit a Sample → Request a Quote

The Problem

Fire Residue Is More Than Smoke Damage.

What burned, how it burned, and what it left behind each have forensic, financial, and health consequences. Not all dark residue is soot — and not all soot is equal.

Not all dark residue is soot — and not all soot is equal. Misidentification has direct financial, legal, and health consequences.

Insurance Claims

Particle ID determines whether damage is fire-related or pre-existing — directly affecting claim scope and payout
Annotated lab micrographs give adjusters defensible documentation
Distinguishing soot from other particulate prevents fraudulent or overstated claims

Litigation & Forensics

Chain-of-custody reporting supports fire origin and cause investigations
TEM provides element-level particle characterization admissible as scientific evidence
Expert interpretation available for deposition and testimony support

Remediation & Restoration

Confirms contamination extent before and after remediation — protecting contractors from liability
HVAC and interior infiltration mapping guides scope of work and clearance testing
Rush turnaround available to support active restoration timelines

Analytical Methods

Two Methods. Two Purposes.

PLM for fast triage. TEM for definitive identification and litigation support.

PLM

Polarized Light Microscopy

Screening & Classification

Best For

Rapid triage · Restoration response timelines · Insurance adjustment workflows

Identifies

Combustion residues vs. background dust
Fibrous vs. granular particles
Particle size and distribution

Turnaround

Fast — ideal for active restoration timelines

Deliverable

Classified particle report with optical micrographs and written findings

ASTM D6602 · ASTM D3849 framework

TEM

Transmission Electron Microscopy

Definitive ID & Litigation Support

Best For

High-stakes disputes · Fire origin & cause investigations · Insurance litigation · Legal proceedings

Identifies

Soot vs. carbon black vs. fly ash at nanoscale
Element-level composition
Aggregate structure and morphology

Turnaround

Standard and rush options — court filing deadlines accommodated

Deliverable

Annotated TEM micrographs · Element maps · Expert-interpreted report · Expert witness available

ASTM D6602 (TEM carbon black structure) · ASTM D3849

Analytical Scope

What We Analyze.

Particle identification · Origin tracing · Surface and bulk material analysis.

Particle Types

Soot Combustion-generated carbonaceous particles. Morphology and structure indicate fuel type and burn conditions.

Carbon Black vs. Soot Industrial carbon black is manufactured; fire soot is incidental. TEM morphology reliably distinguishes both — critical for insurance and litigation.

Char & Ash Residues Char indicates direct combustion contact; ash composition reflects the fuel matrix.

Fugitive Dust Infiltration Post-fire HVAC and building interiors trap mixed fire-generated and pre-existing particulate.

Particle Origin Tracing Natural vs. synthetic, biological vs. industrial — morphology, elemental composition, and aggregate structure distinguish source.

Sample Types Accepted

Surface Wipes Walls, ceilings, electronics, HVAC registers

Bulk Debris Insulation, drywall, furniture residue, flooring

Airborne Filters Personal air samplers, area monitors, HVAC filters

Settled Dust Personal property, building surfaces, ventilation ductwork

Water-Extracted Aqueous wipe extracts for elemental characterization

Nationwide sample submission accepted. Chain-of-custody ensured from intake to report delivery.

Decision Guide

Which Method Is Right for Your Situation?

Match your purpose to the correct analytical approach before submitting samples.

Active restoration — define scope, guide remediation, or confirm clearance Fast turnaround supports restoration timelines; optical micrographs document pre- and post-remediation conditions

PLM

Insurance claim documentation — adjuster needs evidence of fire vs. pre-existing damage Screening-level identification is usually sufficient; escalate to TEM if disputed or fraudulent claim suspected

PLM (start here)

Fire origin & cause investigation — characterize residue, establish combustion source Element-level composition and aggregate structure identify fuel type and burn conditions at nanoscale

TEM

Litigation, disputed claim, or fraud investigation — evidence must hold up in court ASTM-aligned methodology, annotated micrographs, expert interpretation, and expert witness available

TEM

Industrial hygiene / worker exposure — distinguish fire-generated from occupational particulate PLM screens particle load; TEM characterizes specific species for exposure assessment

PLM + TEM (Combo)

Not sure? Contact support@irislaboratories.com — we'll confirm the right method based on your specific situation.

Process & Reporting

Four Steps. Every Report Built to Hold Up Under Scrutiny.

In the field, the boardroom, or the courtroom.

Submit Samples + COC

Ship nationwide or drop off locally. Include completed chain-of-custody form. Analysis begins on receipt confirmation.

Submit a Sample →

PLM or TEM Analysis

ASTM D6602 and D3849 protocols. PLM for optical classification; TEM for nanoscale morphology and elemental mapping. Chain of custody maintained throughout.

Expert Interpretation

Written narrative translating findings into conclusions for adjusters, attorneys, contractors, or regulators. Not just data — actionable findings.

Report Delivered

Full particle ID, ASTM methodology documentation, annotated micrographs, and COC. Rush options available. Expert witness support for legal proceedings.

Every Report Includes

Full particle species identification with classification rationale
Chain-of-custody documentation from intake to delivery
Annotated optical or TEM micrographs
ASTM methodology documentation
Written expert interpretation narrative
Expert witness available upon request

PLM · TEM · ASTM-Compliant · Expert Witness Available

Find the Source.
Quantify the Impact.
Strengthen Your Case.

Particulate analysis — PLM & TEM microscopy for restoration, insurance, litigation, and investigative professionals.