Building Science and Environmental Experts in Puerto Rico Identify Indoor Chemical Exposure Risks

Chemicals and related odors can frequently be the source of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) problems in homes and buildings. These chemical odors may be from organic or inorganic compounds and exposure to some could be a health hazard, while others may not pose a risk.
 
Reducing exposure to chemicals indoors is a preventative action that can lead to improved outcomes for both worker and building occupant health, and for the environment. One common indoor source of odors is frequently associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemical contaminants, found in office, school, industrial and home environments, can be a source of odors and exposure concerns.
 
VOCs are organic chemicals that easily evaporate into the air from liquids and some solids. Numerous products found in the indoor environment may have the potential to release VOCs, including:

• Caulks, sealants and coatings
• Adhesives
• Paints, varnishes and stains
• Wall coverings
• Cleaning agents
• Fuels and combustion products
• Carpeting and vinyl flooring
• Fabric materials and furnishings
• Air fresheners and other scented products
• Personal products (perfume, shampoos, etc.)

 
“If these and other chemical contaminant sources are not controlled, indoor environmental quality problems can arise,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “There are of course other sources of chemicals and odors that can be found in buildings. These include everything from office equipment emissions to polluted outdoor air entering a structure. Vapor intrusion from contaminated soil or groundwater, and even microbial VOCs from indoor mold growth can also lead to IEQ issues.”
 
Helping to resolve these types of exposure concerns are the professionals at Zimmetry Environmental. They offer testing services for VOCs, other chemical pollutants and a wide range of microbial contaminants. If test results indicate an IEQ problem, Zimmetry provides the expertise and oversight to resolve the issue to deliver a healthy indoor environment for all building occupants.
 
Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video about chemicals, odors and indoor environmental quality that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/cbyiX4LTYUk
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their indoor air quality, building science, environmental, occupational, and compliance consulting and testing 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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