National COPD Awareness Month in Puerto Rico and Exposure Risks to Respiratory Irritants and Allergens

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, makes breathing difficult for millions of Americans who have been diagnosed with the condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that millions more suffer from the respiratory disease, but have not been diagnosed or treated.

In Puerto Rico and throughout the rest of the country, exposure to tobacco smoke has long been known to be a key factor in the development and progression of COPD, but there are other exposure risks. About one in four people with COPD never smoked and CDC reports that exposure to airborne pollutants in the home and workplace can be a contributing factor. These could include bioaerosols, gases, dusts or fumes.

“To help bring attention to preventing new cases of this disease and to highlight ways those with it can better manage their condition, November is recognized as National COPD Awareness Month,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Across the nation, government agencies and various organizations conduct outreach and hold events to bring greater visibility to COPD and to encourage people to recognize symptoms and seek diagnosis and treatment earlier in the disease’s progression.”

Dedicated to helping people in Puerto Rico and across the region avoid airborne exposure hazards are the industrial hygiene and indoor air quality (IAQ) professionals at Zimmetry Environmental. They offer air testing and consulting services to identifying chemical and biological aerosols, allergens and respiratory irritants that could cause or aggravate respiratory diseases. If results indicate IAQ issues, their building science experts can help to develop solutions to eliminate or mitigate exposure concerns in the home or workplace.

To learn more about Zimmetry and their occupational, indoor air quality, environmental, and compliance testing 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.

Contact Information

Paul S Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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