Indoor Air Quality Resources to Improve Student Performance in Puerto Rico

The COVID pandemic brought a new focus on the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) and infection control programs in schools and universities. For years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that programs that promote healthy IAQ can improve health, increase students’ ability to learn, improve test scores and also improve adult productivity in the school system.

In fact, EPA warns that failing to prevent or respond promptly to IAQ problems can increase long- and short-term health effects for students and staff, such as:

• Coughing
• Eye irritation
• Headaches
• Allergic reactions
• Aggravate asthma and/or other respiratory illnesses
• In rare cases, contribute to life-threatening conditions such as Legionnaire’s disease or carbon monoxide poisoning

“It has been known for a long time that student performance and attendance can be impacted by IAQ and other environmental conditions,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “The COVID pandemic caused some schools and universities to increase ventilation rates and invest in air purification and filtration systems to mitigate the spread of the virus. Those actions have also helped to decrease student and faculty exposure to other airborne viruses, mold, bacteria, chemicals, odors, particulate matter and other contaminants.”

In Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean, the building science and infection control professionals at Zimmetry Environmental are a top resource for schools and universities looking to optimize indoor conditions. Zimmetry’s staff of industrial hygiene and indoor environmental quality experts offer building assessments and inspections; HVAC system evaluations; 3rd party confirmation of cleaning and disinfection protocols; air, surface and water testing for environmental pathogens; and training services to ensure school officials have the knowledge to keep their schools and universities operating safely.

Zimmetry also recently sponsored and educational video about IAQ and student performance that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/M-XiWO44KL0

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their 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.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail