Respirable Particulates and Health Concerns in Homes & Businesses

Small particles found in the air people breathe can travel deep into the human lung and cause a variety of health concerns.  These materials, known as particulate matter or PM, can often be found in indoor environments due to a variety of causes.
 
PM can be in the form of a solid or liquid, or even a mixture of both. These tiny particles may range from 0.005 µm (micrometers) to 100 µm in diameter.  According to the U.S.  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Some studies also suggest that long-term PM 2.5 exposures may be linked to cancer and to harmful developmental and reproductive effects, such as infant mortality and low birth weight.” 
 
Depending on the type, concentration and amount of time a person is exposed to particulate matter, they may experience health effects.  These could include: eye, nose, and throat irritation; respiratory infections and bronchitis; and even lung cancer in some circumstances.
 
Many industrial and construction activities can generate PM and expose workers to these respirable hazards.  There are also common sources of PM that may be found in commercial and residential properties that may come from such sources as:
·         Furnaces
·         Unvented Space Heaters
·         Cooking Stoves
·         Woodstoves
·         Environmental Tobacco Smoke
·         Mold Growth
 
“Long-term and repeated exposure to respirable particulates should be avoided whenever possible,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “At Zimmetry, our air testing professionals provide air monitoring and consulting services to identify their presence to protect both workers and building occupants in Puerto Rico and other locations across the Caribbean.”
 
Zimmetry recently sponsored an educational video about particulate matter and indoor air quality (IAQ) issues that can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7n6l6oQUqQ
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and air, 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

Contact via E-mail