Identifying Indoor Exposure Risks to Pesticides in Puerto Rico

A recent survey found that 75% of U.S. households used at least one pesticide product indoors during the past year. The majority of these are insecticides and disinfectants. The use of these products has certainly been a familiar scene in Puerto Rico over the past few months as families and businesses deal with the widespread property damage and cleanup activities caused by Hurricanes Maria and Irma.
 
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registers pesticides for use and requires manufacturers to put information on the label about when and how to use the product. It is important for people to recognize that the “-cide” in pesticides means “to kill”. In addition to the active ingredient, pesticides are also made up of ingredients that are used to carry the active agent. These carrier agents are called “inerts” in pesticides because they are not toxic to the targeted pest; nevertheless, some inerts are capable of causing health problems.
 
Unfortunately, exposure to pesticides can cause a myriad of health effects in humans, including irritation to the eyes, nose and throat; damage to central nervous system and kidneys; and an increased risk of cancer in some circumstances.  Common exposure symptoms may include headache, dizziness, muscular weakness and nausea.
 
“Exposure to pesticides can be dangerous if they are not used and stored properly,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “There have been studies that have suggested that up to 80% of many people’s exposure to pesticides occurs indoors. With all the cleanup and rebuilding activities taking place across Puerto Rico, it’s important that families and workers are not exposed to dangerous levels of pesticides, which include insecticides and disinfectants, in their homes, schools and work environments.”
 
To help identify indoor environmental quality issues associated with pesticides and other potentially hazardous chemical and microbial substances, Zimmetry Environmental offers testing, consulting and monitoring services. Their indoor environmental quality professionals utilize the most advanced instrumentation and sampling techniques to identify pesticides and other materials that could cause health concerns for building occupants. If a problem is found, their professionals can help to develop solutions to prevent the issue from returning.
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their building science, indoor environmental quality, 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

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