Mitigating Exposures Risks to Cladosporium and Other Microbes in the Built Environment

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that Cladosporium, Pencillium, and Aspergillus are the most common indoor molds. There are numerous species of Cladosporium and many produce fungal colonies that can appear as olive, brown, or black in color.

Naturally occurring Cladosporium spores in the outdoor environment are present year-round in many areas. Indoors, Cladosporium is often found in humid environments, on wet surfaces, and in properties that have suffered water damage.

Exposure to elevated concentrations of Cladosporium indoors or outdoors is known to be a common cause of allergies. Exposure could also trigger an asthma attacks in some asthmatics. Inhaling Cladosporium, or other types of fungi, could even act as a respiratory irritant, or be a concern for people are already suffering from various respiratory diseases. Cladosporium is also recognized as a human pathogen, although infections are not common. These infections can occur as skin or toenail infections, or sinus and lung infections.

“Hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and other indoor environments with patients, residents, or building occupants that are at elevated risk of developing fungal infections need to be on heightened alert for mold contamination issues,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “At Zimmetry, our infection control, industrial hygiene, and indoor environmental quality professionals offer testing, consulting, and training services in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean to identify and mitigate exposure risks to Cladosporium, and a broad spectrum of other microbial pathogens, allergens, asthma triggers, and respiratory irritants.”

Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video about Cladosporium as a common indoor air quality contaminant that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/X79DwG1yb7U

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