Identifying and Mitigating Exposure to Airborne Allergens in Homes and Buildings across Puerto Rico

Allergies can not only affect a person’s quality of life, each year they cost society billions of dollars in medical care and lost productivity, not to mention allergies are responsible for countless missed school days. With most people spending up to 90% of their time indoors, exposure to allergens, respiratory irritants and asthma triggers in the air in their homes, schools and work environments has a direct impact on their health and well-being.

Millions of Americans suffer from allergies and some of the more common indoor allergens include mold, pollen, dust mites, cockroaches, latex, rodents, and pet dander, saliva and urine. People can also experience allergy-like symptoms from exposure to airborne particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), smoke and numerous other substances. Even for those without allergies, exposure to some of these substances can cause respiratory irritation or act as an asthma trigger for some asthmatics.

Regarding the impact of biological pollutants’ on indoor air quality (IAQ), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that allergic reactions occur only after repeated exposure to a specific biological allergen. However, that reaction may occur immediately upon re-exposure or after multiple exposures over time. As a result, people who have noticed only mild allergic reactions, or no reactions at all, may suddenly find themselves very sensitive to particular allergens.

“To be able to optimize indoor conditions, we need to know what is in the air people are breathing,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “The indoor air quality and building science professionals at Zimmetry provide comprehensive assessments utilizing the most advanced air monitoring instruments and testing services. Our experts are regularly called upon to identify airborne allergens, respiratory irritants and environmental asthma triggers. We also offer testing services for asbestos, lead and many other potential airborne hazards. This helps us to provide a comprehensive picture of indoor conditions so any corrective actions needed can be quickly implemented.”

Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video about airborne allergens that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/-keSftnwYnc

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their indoor air quality, environmental, occupational, compliance 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