Solutions to Indoor Air Quality Complaints in Offices across Puerto Rico

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that the quality of the air inside offices, schools, and other workplaces is important not only for workers’ comfort, but also for their health. In fact, OSHA shares that poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has been tied to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.

There are also some specific diseases that have been linked to specific air contaminants or indoor environments, like asthma with damp indoor environments. OSHA warns that some exposures, such as asbestos and radon, do not cause immediate symptoms but can lead to cancer after many years.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), demand for good IAQ in office buildings has emerged as a major issue. EPA also cautions that many office buildings have significant indoor air pollution sources. Some of the sources listed include:

• Furnishings
• Occupant activities
• Housekeeping practices
• Pesticide applications
• Microbial contamination

“In an office setting, the ventilation system design, operation, and maintenance can play a pivotal role in the overall indoor air quality,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “It is also true that identifying and resolving IAQ complaints that are localized or widespread in an office building can be challenging due to many factors. At Zimmetry, our experienced and qualified professionals, with access to the latest tools, instruments and resources, provide comprehensive building inspections. We offer testing and monitoring for radon, mold, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and a wide range of hazardous substances, such as asbestos and lead. If a problem is discovered, our specialists can help to mitigate or eliminate the concern.”

Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video about indoor air quality complaints in the office that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/KKoF_ME944g

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