Residents of Puerto Rico Warned of Potential Hidden Exposure Hazards Found in DIY Home Improvement Projects

Do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement projects are a common occurrence in residences across Puerto Rico. Taken on by a skilled homeowner, these projects can save money and add considerable value to a home; however, many project also come with hidden risks.
 
Along with building code compliance issues, laws, permit requirements, ladders, sharp tools, and electrical and gas hazards, DIY projects could expose people to a number of fairly common hazards that could put their well-being in jeopardy. For example, many homes across the Caribbean still have asbestos-containing materials. Until the 1970s, numerous building products used in homes contained asbestos and fibers can easily be released into the air when disturbed. Exposure to asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
 
Many homes built before 1960 contain heavily leaded paint and some homes built as recently as 1978 also contain lead-based paint. These paints were used for decades and exposure to inhaled or accidently ingested lead dust can lead to serious health concerns, especially for children.
 
Even new materials and finishes could expose families to elevated levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to some VOCs may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.
 
“Yet another issue is mold,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold is very common in buildings and homes and will grow in places with moisture. Exposure to elevated levels of mold can cause respiratory issues, allergies and even trigger an asthma attack in some people with the condition. Some types of mold can also cause fungal infections in people with a weakened immune system.”
 
Helping to protect residents of Puerto Rico from these and other exposure risks are the building science and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) experts at Zimmetry Environmental. They offer comprehensive testing, monitoring and consulting services to identify, mitigate and eliminate hazards. Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video about DIY home improvement projects and potential hidden dangers that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/N1ZiWkH1SUk
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and building science, indoor air quality, 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.
 
 

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Paul Cochrane

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Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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