CPR CPR Odor Control & Deodorization 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which deodorization method uses hydroxyl radicals generated by UV light to neutralize odor molecules in the air?
- Ozone treatment
- Hydroxyl generator (Correct answer)
- Thermal fogging
- Wet spraying
Correct answer: Hydroxyl generator
Hydroxyl generators produce hydroxyl radicals via UV light that react with and neutralize volatile odor compounds without the hazards of ozone.
Question 2: Why must ozone generators NOT be operated in occupied buildings during treatment?
- They are too loud for occupied spaces
- Ozone at high concentrations is toxic to humans and animals (Correct answer)
- They require 220V power not available in homes
- They damage electronic equipment only
Correct answer: Ozone at high concentrations is toxic to humans and animals
Ozone at concentrations required for deodorization is a respiratory irritant and toxic to humans and pets, mandating evacuation during treatment.
Question 3: Thermal fogging deodorizes by:
- Freezing odor molecules to the surface
- Heating a deodorant solvent into a fine fog that penetrates porous materials (Correct answer)
- Applying wet chemical solutions with a sprayer
- Using UV light to break down odor compounds
Correct answer: Heating a deodorant solvent into a fine fog that penetrates porous materials
Thermal fogging vaporizes a petroleum- or water-based deodorant into microscopic particles that penetrate porous surfaces where odors reside.
Question 4: What is the correct sequence for deodorizing a fire-damaged structure?
- Deodorize → Remove debris → Clean surfaces → Seal
- Remove debris → Clean surfaces → Deodorize → Seal if needed (Correct answer)
- Seal → Deodorize → Clean → Remove debris
- Deodorize → Seal → Clean → Remove debris
Correct answer: Remove debris → Clean surfaces → Deodorize → Seal if needed
Source removal and surface cleaning must precede deodorization so treatments target residual odors rather than masking ongoing contamination.
Question 5: Which material typically requires encapsulant sealer after cleaning to permanently address embedded smoke odors?
- Ceramic tile
- Painted drywall with light soot
- Structural wood framing with heavy charring (Correct answer)
- Vinyl flooring
Correct answer: Structural wood framing with heavy charring
Heavily charred wood framing absorbs smoke compounds deep into the grain; an encapsulant sealer locks in residual odors that cleaning alone cannot remove.
Question 6: Counter-odor (masking) agents are considered a permanent deodorization solution in professional restoration.
- True — they neutralize odor molecules chemically
- False — they only temporarily cover odors without removing the source (Correct answer)
- True — if applied at high enough concentration
- False — only ozone provides permanent results
Correct answer: False — they only temporarily cover odors without removing the source
Masking agents cover odors temporarily; IICRC S500/S770 standards require source removal and neutralization for a permanent professional result.
CPR CPR Odor Control & Deodorization 1
Which deodorization method uses hydroxyl radicals generated by UV light to neutralize odor molecules in the air?