Water Damage Exposure Risks in Puerto Rico’s Homes and Buildings

Whenever water damage takes place indoors, it can result in the destruction of building materials, equipment, furniture, and belongings. In some cases, it could even cause structural damage. Water can also create an indoor environment that could be hazardous to building occupants.

Depending on the water source, it could contain bacteria, viruses, mold, chemicals, and more. Even water damage due to clean water, known as Category 1 Water, can result in mold growth in as short as 24 to 48 hours.

Category 2 Water, known as Grey Water, typically contains a significant amount of biological or physical contaminants that can cause sickness when humans are exposed or if it is accidently consumed. Examples include sump pump failures and water discharged from a dishwasher or washing machine. Category 2 Water, which is not promptly removed or has remained stagnant, may at times be reclassified as Category 3 Water.

Category 3 Water, also known as Black Water, is grossly contaminated. It may contain harmful pathogens, microbes, and chemicals that could cause illness. Sources include sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water, and standing water.

“No matter the source or category of the water, it’s important to have it safely removed as quickly as possible,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “It’s also important to recognize that during the drying process, other contaminants or materials already in the building may cause health concerns. For example, asbestos-containing materials or lead-based paints may become aerosolized during the drying and cleanup process if not handled properly. The drying process could also result in airborne contaminants being spread throughout a property, even into areas not damaged by the water. These contaminants could include mold and bacteria, lead and asbestos, and particulate matter and chemical hazards.”

Facility managers, property owners, and tenants concerned about potential exposure to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues can turn to the experts at Zimmetry Environmental. Their professionals offer comprehensive testing, monitoring, and consulting services to identify, mitigate, and eliminate these types of hazards in all types of buildings. Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video about water damage and indoor exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/UcLkVBhsenw

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their IEQ, 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

Contact via E-mail