FAIR Plan and Hygienist Testing: What You Need to Know About Smoke Damage Assessment
After a wildfire, determining the extent of damage to your home and belongings is crucial.
This often involves professional testing to identify toxic residues and ensure your home is safe to inhabit. This guide focuses on navigating the California FAIR Plan's position on hygienist testing and provides recommendations for homeowners.
The Importance of Professional Testing:
Unless your home was clearly unaffected or only minimally impacted by wildfires, a thorough investigation by a licensed professional is highly recommended. This should be followed by a detailed scope of work and estimate from a licensed contractor to address any identified issues.
FAIR Plan's Evolving Stance on Testing:
Past Position: Since 2009, the FAIR Plan has generally refused to pay for testing or consider testing results when determining the scope of loss and benefits.
Recent Shift: The latest FAQ guidance from the FAIR Plan suggests a potential change: "Determination is made on a case-by-case basis for covered property. If you believe you are need in of these services, please discuss this with your assigned examiner."
Recommendation: Request Testing from FAIR Plan Now!
Given this new guidance, it's strongly recommended that all homeowners with a "still-standing" home request testing from the FAIR Plan. Do so in writing (email is acceptable) to your desk adjuster and any manager or supervisor involved in your claim.
Suggested Language for Your Request:
"Dear [Adjuster],
As I understand the rules, it is FAIR Plan’s obligation to thoroughly investigate the damage to our home, contents, and to determine if our house is safe to live in. Given the toxic and corrosive debris and residue caused by the fire, we are requesting testing by a licensed hygienist experienced with sampling for combustion by-products.
We would appreciate seeing prior combustion byproduct reports by your hygienist before the testing is done. We would also appreciate seeing a testing protocol for our home before the sampling is conducted.
We ask that the hygienist include the following at least:
Sampling should tape lift or swabs, as well as bulk sampling as necessary.
Sampling should be widespread, including electrical receptacles (outlets, lights, etc.), interior wall cavities, attic and interior wall insulation, garages and other attached/unattached structures.
Sampling should include airborne particulates.
Sampling should include corrosive combustion byproducts including chloride anion residues.
Sampling should include building materials, including drywall and insulation, at a minimum, for total cyanides and/or other contaminants including VOCs, PAHs, and metals.
Please contact us at your earliest convenience to provide the requested materials and schedule the testing.
Sincerely,
You"
If You've Already Paid for Testing:
Submit your invoice to the FAIR Plan with a request for reimbursement.
Obtaining Your Own Report:
Even with the FAIR Plan's potential shift, it's unlikely they will test your home adequately. Therefore, obtaining your own report is strongly recommended.
Choosing a Hygienist:
Cost: Costs range from $2,000 to $20,000+, depending on the scope of testing.
Expertise: Many hygienists specialize in mold and asbestos, which are not the primary concerns after a wildfire. You need a hygienist experienced in testing for combustion byproducts.
Focus: The key question is: what partially burned fuels landed in your house and on/in your things, and where did they go?
Guidance for Speaking with Hygienists:
Prior Reports: Ask to see prior reports.
Combustion Byproduct Testing: Testing should be carried out by a licensed hygienist with a proven history of testing for combustion byproducts.
Widespread Testing: Testing should include widespread combustion by-product testing by tape lift or swabs/wipes.
Testing Locations: Testing should be widespread, including electrical receptacles (outlets, lights, fans), interior wall cavities, attic and interior wall insulation, garages and other attached/unattached structures.
Airborne Particulates: Testing should be for suspended particles to determine (1) cut sizes and (2) particle concentrates. Inside should be less than outside.
Chloride Anion Residues: Testing should include chloride anion residues to determine immediate or potential long-term damage to low voltage and high voltage electrical systems.
Building Materials: Building material should be tested for total cyanides and/or other contaminants including VOCs, PAHs, and metals.
Conclusion:
Navigating smoke damage assessment and insurance claims can be complex. By understanding the FAIR Plan's position on testing and taking proactive steps to secure professional assessments, you can protect your health and ensure your home is properly remediated.
Download our comprehensive checklist for selecting a qualified hygienist and requesting testing from the California FAIR Plan. Ensure your home is safe and your claim is properly supported.
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