Facility Managers in Puerto Rico Provided Solutions to Resolve Indoor Allergy Complaints

Employees that develop allergy symptoms that improve or go away once they leave their work environment are likely being exposed to indoor allergens.  When a worker recognizes that this appears to be what is going on, they will often speak to their supervisor or human resources department about their concerns. 
 
In many circumstances, the facility manager of the building becomes involved and is asked to investigate and resolve the issue. This can be a challenge for most facility managers as there are numerous indoor allergens that can impact individuals who are susceptible.  These often include everything from mold, pollen, cockroaches and dust mites to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), tobacco smoke, latex and even perfumes, air fresheners and cleaning chemicals. 
 
“Allergic reactions can also be exacerbated by issues such as lack of ventilation and humidity levels within the building,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “A facility manager tasked with resolving workplace allergies should try to learn all they can about the complaint.  Inspecting the HVAC system for filtration, humidity levels and air exchange rates, and looking for possible allergen sources within the building can be instrumental in finding the issue. Dusty conditions, moisture damage and visible mold growth, cleaning protocols and chemicals recently used indoors should also be investigated. If renovation activities have recently taken place, or are currently taking place, this could also be a culprit as these projects typically generate dusts and new paints, carpeting and furnishings could be off-gassing VOCs.” 
 
The building science professionals at Zimmetry Environmental are routinely called to investigate and resolve indoor air quality (IAQ) and allergen complaints by facility managers and property owners.  They provide comprehensive building assessments and air quality testing services. If an issue is discovered, their experts can assist in mitigating or eliminating allergen sources and air quality problems while developing solutions to prevent the issue from reoccurring.   
 
To learn more about Zimmetry’s building science and indoor environmental quality testing or other consulting and compliance 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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