Hidden Mold & Health Concerns in Residential and Commercial Buildings in Puerto Rico

If a person walks into a home or building and notices a strong musty odor, this telltale clue often indicates that microbial growth is occurring somewhere in the structure.  In some circumstances the building may have visible mold growth, but many times it may be growing completely out of sight.  In other cases, there may be little to no odor, but people are complaining of respiratory or other health issues following a known water damaging event.
 
If mold is growing out of sight, it can be a challenge to identify its location and root cause.  Mold can begin to grow indoors in less than 48 hours after there has been a water damaging event or elevated levels of humidity. It may be hidden in places such as behind dry wall, wallpaper and paneling. It is also frequently found above the top side of ceiling tiles or under carpets and carpet pads. Other possible common locations for hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes due to leaking or condensation issues, the surface of walls behind furniture where condensation may form, inside ductwork, in attics due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation, and in crawlspaces to name just a few common locations.
 
“Mold growing in areas that are out of sight can still impact the indoor air quality of the building,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “People exposed to elevated levels of mold frequently experience allergies and respiratory complaints.  Exposure can trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals and some types of mold commonly associated with water damaged buildings can even lead to infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system.”
 
In Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean, people who suspect there may be mold growth in their home, school or work environment can depend on the building science experts at Zimmetry Environmental. Their professionals have decades of experience finding hidden mold growth in all types of buildings through comprehensive testing and inspection services. If mold is found, Zimmetry provides monitoring solutions to ensure it is safely removed and will recommend corrective actions to ensure it does not return.
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their mold, building science, indoor environmental quality, and 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