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

Alternaria is a common type of mold made up of hundreds of species. Many are ubiquitous in the natural environment, where they play an important role in decomposing materials outdoors.

The spores from Alternaria can make their way inside buildings and have an impact on the indoor air quality. Properties that have suffered from water damage or elevated humidity levels resulting in mold contamination may also find Alternaria among the types of mold growing inside.

“Whether exposed to Alternaria indoors or outdoors, it is a common cause of allergies for many people,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “For some asthmatics, breathing elevated concentrations of these spores could trigger an asthma attack. Alternaria, like many other types of fungi, could even act as a respiratory irritant or be a concern for those who already suffer from various respiratory diseases.”

Alternaria is also recognized as a human pathogen, although serious infections are not common. While these infections could occur in anyone, they typically impact those with weakened immune systems.

Protecting building occupants and patients from microbial pathogens, indoor allergens, respiratory irritants, and known asthma triggers are the infection control, industrial hygiene, and indoor environmental quality professionals at Zimmetry Environmental. They offer testing, consulting, and training services in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean to identify and mitigate these types of exposure risks. Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video about Alternaria as a common indoor air quality contaminant that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/yPC7mrDpMso

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their building science, 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

Contact via E-mail