Soot, which you would recognize as a black residue left behind by fire and smoke, is made up of microscopic carbon particles from incomplete combustion of substances like wood, oil, or coal. If a fire breaks out in your home, it can spread to the entire house attaching to a variety of surfaces along the way.  

Soot contains harmful characteristics such as chemicals, metals, soils, and dust that cause a lingering black substance and typically a foul smell that is hard to get rid of. The acidity of the substance can be extremely damaging to your home and air quality if it is not cleaned and removed quickly. These harmful characteristics also make it extremely important to exercise caution whenever trying to clean it from your home.  

When soot is dispersed throughout your home, it contaminates the air quality. When it is in the air you are breathing, it can lead to damage to your mouth, nose, throat, and lungs. When toxic particles from soot enter your respiratory system, it can cause asthma, bronchitis, coronary heart disease, cancer, and other breathing problems. This can affect anyone in the home, but is especially dangerous for infants, the elderly, and people with other underlying illnesses. 

Soot can also be dangerous when it comes into contact with your skin. Over time, being exposed to these particles can cause dry skin, rashes, and general skin irritation. Similarly, soot can cause eye problems such as redness, itchiness, and dryness. To protect your respiratory system, your skin, and your eyes from harmful substances, it is crucial to wear appropriate protective equipment when coming in contact with it or attempting to clean it.