Investigation of black soot staining in houses.

Describes a study designed to investigate sooting problems in houses where occupants reported regular burning of candles. Samples of stained carpets, filters and other materials as well as swab samples of black dust or soot were taken from five homes. Other potential pollutant sources were also identified by air quality audits conducted on each home. In addition, the study included a search of industry information to uncover best practices for cost-effective clean up and control of soot or staining problems.

Candle in the wind.

      

Black stains in houses: soot, dust or ghosts?

Builders are never rnore surprised than when they walk into one of their newly built model homes and find black stains at wall-to-floor joints and on previously pristine carpeting underneath doorways. What causes these stains and how can builders and homeowners prevent them?