The Smoke School Question Everyone's Thinking
When earning EPA Method 9 certification at in-person smoke schools, it's hard to avoid standing in the smoke. Is it safe? Find out here.
The wind blows, the smoke shifts and the crowd disappears in a haze of smoke of your own making. You hear one of the students ask the most dreaded question a smoke school operator can hear: “Is this safe to breathe?”
The short answer to that question is no. The longer answer is still no. Neither response is reassuring when trying to calm a group of students rubbing their eyes as they make their way out of the smoke you just created.
Smoke generators used at in-person smoke school events are inherently limited. Unlike most industrial emission sources, they do not generate enough airflow to overcome even light wind conditions. When wind speeds exceed minimal levels, the smoke tends to drift unpredictably—often toward the observers themselves.
White smoke is typically created by atomizing diesel fuel, while black smoke is commonly produced through the combustion of hydrocarbons such as toluene. Neither option creates an ideal training environment when it comes to air quality exposure.
Fortunately, there is a better way to earn EPA Method 9 certification. With VR Smoke School, the only thing in the air is the smell of your morning coffee as you complete your certification comfortably from home or the office.
The certification earned through VR Smoke School is identical to the certification issued at an in-person smoke school. There is no need to deal with travel, scheduling conflicts, weather conditions or exposure to smoke during testing.
To learn more about how virtual certification works, visit our ALT-152 guide, which explains the EPA-approved method that enables remote training and certification.
Our VR Smoke School process page provides a step-by-step overview of the entire certification process—from account setup to final certification—so you can understand exactly how to get certified efficiently.
Have questions? Our team brings more than 45 years of visible emissions training experience and is available to help. Contact us anytime.
Ready to get started? Create your free account today and begin earning your EPA Method 9 certification.