Improving the Indoor Environmental Quality of Puerto Rico’s Hotels and Resorts

Millions of people from across the globe visit Puerto Rico each year and by some estimates, tourism contributes approximately $4 billion to the local economy. The vast majority of tourists and business travelers coming to Puerto Rico stay at one of the many hotels and resorts found on the islands. 
 
Hotels and resorts that have focused on providing service, value and a healthy indoor environment have prospered, even during challenging economic times.  Today’s vacationers and business travelers expect their hotel or resort to provide good indoor environmental quality (IEQ) during their entire stay. However, as is the case with all buildings, hotels and resorts can encounter a myriad of potential IEQ challenges.  Some of the more common issues include:
 

• Allergens – Mold, bacteria, pet dander, insects, rodents, dust mites and latex are all common indoor allergens.
• Mold – Water leaks, flooding and elevated humidity levels are a few of the reasons why mold could grow indoors and cause health concerns.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – Cleaning products, pesticides, building materials and furnishing are a few examples of materials that could emit VOCs.
• Legionella – Cooling towers have been known to harbor Legionella bacteria, the cause of Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. Other sources include plumbing systems, fountains, hot tubs and decorative pools.
• Pools – In recent years, recreational water illness (RWI) outbreaks have been increasing.  Pathogens, such as E. coli and other dangerous microbes can be a serious health threat.
• Asbestos & Lead – Many older properties still contain these materials which can become an airborne hazard as they age or are disturbed.
• Bed bugs – In recent years, bed bugs have been found in even the most exclusive hotels.  They can cause itching, loss of sleep and could even hitch a ride back to a guest’s home.

 
Helping hotel and resort owners, property managers and facility managers to provide guests with the highest IEQ possible are the building science professionals at Zimmetry Environmental. Their experts offer all types of air, water and environmental testing and monitoring. These services can help to identify comfort issues and potential exposure hazards before they become a serious concern for employees and guests.
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their IEQ, indoor air quality (IAQ), environmental, and compliance testing and 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