Pesticides and Protecting Building Occupants in Puerto Rico from Exposure Hazards

Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill or control pests. In addition to insects and rodents, these pests can include bacteria, fungi and other organisms.

With regards to pesticide use and indoor air quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shares information from a study that found 75% of U.S. households used at least one pesticide product indoors during the past year. Products used most often include insecticides and disinfectants. Another study EPA mentions suggests that 80% of most people’s exposure occurs indoors and that measurable levels of up to a dozen pesticides have been found in the air inside homes.

Pesticide exposure can indeed occur from their use indoors, but exposure can also occur when contaminated soil or dust floats, or is tracked in, from the outside. In addition, exposure can come from pesticide containers stored indoors, from household surfaces that collect and then release the pesticides, and even from foods and products with pesticides on them that are brought indoors.

Potential health effects due to pesticide exposure can vary widely. According to the EPA, exposure to pesticides may result in:

• Irritation to the eyes, nose and throat
• Damage to the central nervous system and kidney
• Increased risk of cancer

Symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscular weakness
• Nausea

Chronic exposure to some pesticides can result in damage to the:

• Liver
• Kidneys
• Endocrine and nervous systems

“As detailed by EPA, exposure to pesticides can cause a myriad of health concerns,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “This is why it is so important that families and workers are not exposed to dangerous levels of pesticides in their homes, schools and work environments. To identify pesticides and other potentially hazardous substances in the built environment, the industrial hygiene and IAQ experts at Zimmetry Environmental offer testing, consulting and monitoring services. If a problem is found, our building science professionals can help to develop solutions to prevent or mitigate any exposure risks.”

Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video about pesticides and IAQ that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/aE1jrPa95y4

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their building science, 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

Contact via E-mail