Aspergillosis and Moldy Indoor Environments

Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a fungus known as Aspergillus.  It is a fairly common fungus that can be found in indoor and outdoor environments.  Aspergillus is also frequently present in buildings that have suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels.
 
There are several different kinds of aspergillosis. One kind is allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Another kind of aspergillosis is invasive aspergillosis, a disease that usually affects people with a weakened immune system.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Studies have shown that invasive aspergillosis can occur during building renovation or construction. Outbreaks of Aspergillus skin infections have been traced to contaminated biomedical devices.”
 
There are many types of Aspergillus, but some of the more common ones include Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus niger.
 
Most healthy people breathe in Aspergillus spores without developing aspergillosis.  The disease more frequently occurs in people with lung diseases, including asthma or cystic fibrosis, and with people with suppressed immune systems.  Its presence indoors at elevated levels in any type of healthcare facility or location with building occupants who suffer from these conditions is of high concern.
 
“Although Aspergillus is commonly found in soil, plants and decaying organic matter, its presence at elevated levels indoors usually indicates water damage and a possible threat to people’s health,”  said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “Properties with water damage can experience Aspergillus growing on building materials and it may even be found in common household dust.  Healthcare providers need to be especially vigilant of its presence in their facilities.  At Zimmetry, we provide testing services for Aspergillus and other pathogenic fungi for healthcare providers and others in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean.”
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their indoor air quality, environmental and compliance 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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