Mold Concerns Force Closure of Hospital Ward in the Bahamas

Earlier this month, The Tribune published a report that a mold problem at the Princess Margaret Hospital’s delivery ward has resulted in its closure after healthcare workers complained of respiratory problems.  According to the article, the facility had been suffering from a leaky ceiling.
 
Moisture from a leak can quickly turn into a mold problem.  In fact, mold can begin to grow in as short as 24 to 48 hours in many circumstances.  Elevated levels of mold in any indoor environment can cause health concerns, but this is especially true in a healthcare setting where newborns, people who have recently undergone surgical procedures and people with a weakened immune system may be present.
 
The presence of mold can result in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) which are infections that patients acquire during the course of receiving healthcare treatment for other conditions. These infections can be devastating and even deadly, not to mention they add tremendously to medical costs each year.
 
“In addition to the threat of fungal infections, molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, toxic substances known as mycotoxins,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.   “Allergic reactions to mold are quite common and can be immediate or delayed.  For healthcare providers who spend long hours in an indoor environment with mold contamination issues, the presence of mold can even cause non-sensitive individuals to become sensitive to mold.  Repeated exposures also have the potential to increase sensitivity.  In addition, mold is a known trigger for many who suffer from asthma.”
 
Zimmetry Environmental, based in Puerto Rico, has mold and indoor air quality (IAQ) professionals available to provide indoor environmental monitoring and consulting services all across the Caribbean. In addition to mold problems, Zimmetry has experts ready to take action to identify and resolve sick building, environmental compliance, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting issues. 
 
To learn more about Zimmetry’s air, environmental and compliance testing 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 (IAQ), asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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