Health Effects of Soot

The combustion of most commonly used materials, ranging from natural sources such as wood, to synthetic plastics and polymers will result in the generation of irritant gases. Dependent on the materials burnt, soot residue may cause irritation, either as sensory irritants affecting the eyes and upper respiratory tract (nose, mouth and throat), or as pulmonary irritants (affecting the lungs), although in many cases sensory and pulmonary irritation may be present simultaneously.

As the process of cleaning up soot residue involves removal and moving of soot particles, which may aerosolise them, it is especially important that soot removal projects are undertaken in a controlled manner and under best practise protocols.