Indoor Environments in Puerto Rico where the Potential for Aspergillosis Infections are a Major Concern

A common fungal pathogen can cause a potentially life-threatening condition known as aspergillosis. The culprit is a number of different species of Aspergillus, a fungus that can be found in the outdoor environment and is also frequently found in buildings that have suffered high humidity levels or water damage that has resulted in mold contamination.
 
It is difficult to determine how common aspergillosis infections are in the United States because it is not a reportable infection according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency does state that milder, allergic forms of aspergillosis are more common than the invasive form of the infection.  The various types of aspergillosis include allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), allergic Aspergillus sinusitis, aspergilloma, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, invasive aspergillosis and cutaneous aspergillosis.
 
The CDC states that most people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without getting sick, but people with a weakened immune system or lung disease are at a higher risk of developing health problems due to exposure. Of the approximately 180 species of Aspergillus, fewer than 40 of them are known to cause infections in humans. Of these, Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common cause of human infections, while other common species include A. flavus, A. terreus and A. niger.
 
“Healthcare environments, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and anywhere that has patients or residents with a weakened immune system should be especially vigilant about mold contamination,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Hospital-acquired infections have also been associated with contaminated dust exposure during building renovation or construction. Even people with a healthy immune system can be impacted by exposure to elevated levels of Aspergillus and other molds. Exposure can cause allergies, respiratory issues and even trigger an asthma attack in some asthmatics.”
 
To identify indoor issues associated with Aspergillus and other types of mold, Zimmetry provides testing, consulting and inspection services for clients in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean. They have also recently sponsored a video about aspergillosis and moldy indoor environments that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/z9rpI15Enao
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their indoor air quality, occupational, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.
 

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Paul Cochrane

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Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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