Property Owners in Puerto Rico with Mold Issues Learn about Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Due to weather conditions in many parts of the Caribbean, dampness can be a common occurrence in many properties.  This dampness can result in the growth of mold in people’s homes, schools and businesses that can result in high levels of microbial contaminants in the air that people breathe.
 
Elevated levels of mold can cause allergies, trigger asthma and result in infections in some people.  It can also cause a condition known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis or HP.  It is a kind of lung inflammation that occurs in people who develop immune system sensitization to inhaled organic dusts. HP can sometimes be mistaken for pneumonia, but it does not improve with antibiotics for infection.
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is also a concern for some workers.  The agency states, “HP has been documented in workers in buildings with mold and bacteria contaminated air-conditioners (including spray-water cooling systems), and contaminated ductwork and filters. This lung disease has also occurred in workers who worked in water-damaged buildings with roof leaks, plumbing leaks, poorly draining condensation pans, and high indoor relative humidity.”
 
When issues regarding moldy indoor environments occur across Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, people turn to the building science experts at Zimmetry Environmental for solutions.  “HP is a serious condition that can be the result of indoor mold growth,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “Fortunately, HP is not contagious and is due to a person’s immune system and its reaction to inhaled microorganisms, whether dead or alive.  The solution is to identify the source of the mold and have it safely removed.  The moisture that allowed the mold to grow in the first place also needs to be addressed to prevent its return.  At Zimmetry, our professionals have the tools and experience to quickly identify and resolve these types of indoor air quality issues.” 
 
Zimmetry recently sponsored an educational video about HP and mold exposure that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/Jr1mGYEPE98
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and mold, 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.

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Paul Cochrane

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Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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