Protecting the Immunocompromised from Invasive Mold Infection Risks in Hospitals and Buildings throughout Puerto Rico

Anyone with a weakened or suppressed immune system could be at heightened risk of developing an invasive mold infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that these types of infections can occur days to weeks after exposure to fungi that live in the environment. The agency goes so far as to advise physicians to keep invasive mold infections in mind when treating people who are sick after exposure to mold following a flood.

Groups listed by the CDC as being at elevated risk of developing invasive mold infections include those who:

• Have had a transplant, especially hematopoietic stem cell transplants
• Have cancer, especially hematologic cancers like leukemia and lymphoma
• Are undergoing cancer treatment
• Are taking medications that weaken the immune system, such as corticosteroids and biologics

“These invasive mold infections can be life-threatening,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Places such as hospitals, nursing homes and other locations with at-risk groups need to be especially vigilant in their efforts to prevent indoor mold growth due to humidity or moisture issues. It’s also important to recognize that exposure to elevated levels of mold can act as a respiratory irritant, allergen and even trigger an asthma attack in some people with the condition, regardless of whether they have a suppressed or weakened immune system.”

The infection control, building science and industrial hygiene professionals at Zimmetry Environmental are dedicated to identifying and mitigating indoor exposure risks to microbial pathogens and contaminants. They provide testing, consulting and training services for this in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean. Zimmetry has even sponsored an educational video about invasive mold infections and exposure risks for immunocompromised people that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/BIZz8x_k_24

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their infection control, indoor air quality, 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.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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