Building Science Experts Help to Ensure the Air in Puerto Rico’s Buildings is Safe

Volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs, are a diverse group of organic chemical compounds that are used in many products and building materials.  VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some with familiar names such as formaldehyde and some which may have short and long-term adverse health effects for people who breathe the chemicals.
 
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands.” 
 
VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids.  Common materials that may emit VOCs include: furnishings, carpeting, common household building products, cleaning supplies, paints, glues, adhesives, dry-cleaned clothes and aerosol cans, to name just a few.  The EPA reports that common signs and symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include: conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue and dizziness.
 
The ability of these chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly from those that are highly toxic, to those with no known health effects. “The extent and nature of any health effects depends on many factors, including the level of exposure, length of time exposed and a person’s sensitivity,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “Some VOCs are known carcinogens and others can cause a wide range of other health concerns.  The indoor air quality professionals at Zimmetry provide testing services for VOCs in buildings across Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.  If high concentrations of these chemicals are found, corrective action can then be implemented so that people are not at risk.” 
 
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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