Mold Exposure Risks and Protecting Building Occupants in Puerto Rico

Exposure to elevated levels of mold in the places where people live, work, go to school or spend time can cause potential health issues for many individuals. This is because mold is known to be an allergen, irritant, asthma trigger, and in some cases, the cause of opportunistic infections or the source of toxic substances known as mycotoxins.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that allergic reactions to mold are common. These reactions can be immediate or delayed and may include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Mold can even cause an asthma attack in some people with asthma who are allergic to mold. The agency also cautions that mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Breathing elevated levels of mold may even cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a condition that resembles bacterial pneumonia. In addition, exposure to some types of mold may result in opportunistic infections in people who have a weakened or suppressed immune system.

“Anywhere with at-risk patients, residents, workers or building occupants needs to be especially aware of any water damage or moisture issues that could allow for indoor mold growth,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “To help prevent health concerns or infection risks associated with mold exposure, the indoor environmental quality, infection control and industrial hygiene professionals at Zimmetry offer building assessments, testing, monitoring, consulting and training services. Our experts identify and mitigate exposure risks to mold and other microbial contaminants in the built environment to optimize indoor conditions for everyone.”

Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video about mold exposure and potential health effects that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/AutQ1XA37qk

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

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail