Tropical Storms in the Caribbean often Create Indoor Environmental Hazards in Addition to Property Damage

Last week, Tropical Storm Dolly formed in the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall on the Mexican coast where it caused property damage.  Later this week on September 10th, the climatological peak of the annual hurricane season that runs from June through the end of November takes place.
 
Although tropical storms may be less menacing in the minds of many property owners when compared to a hurricane, these storms can still produce millions of dollars in property damage over a wide area.  Puerto Rico and the surrounding Caribbean islands are no strangers to this type of storm damage.  Just last month, Tropical Storm Bertha and its strong winds and heavy rain impacted Puerto Rico.  Fortunately, the damage in most areas was minor, but even a weak tropical storm can cause water and wind damage in addition to local flooding. 
 
“When water or excessive moisture gets trapped in a home or building it can allow mold to begin to grow in as short as 24 to 48 hours,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “Flood waters may also contain viruses, bacteria and chemical contaminants.  Coming into contact with building materials, furnishings and belongings that have suffered water damage or improperly drying and removing them from a property can create a health hazard for anyone in the building and even future building occupants.  Older structures may also contain asbestos and lead-based paints.  When removing debris or repairing a property after a storm, asbestos fibers and lead dusts can become aerosolized creating additional health concerns.”
 
When a tropical storm or hurricane causes damage in Puerto Rico or across the Caribbean, the building science experts at Zimmetry Environmental are ready to respond at a moment’s notice. Their professionals provide testing and consulting services so that buildings can be quickly and safely repaired without risking the health and safety of building occupants and workers.  Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video about tropical storms and indoor air quality concerns that can be seen at:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZjLtuBmu08
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their environmental and building science 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 (IAQ), asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services. 

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail