Potential Biological Exposure Risks in Homes and Buildings across Puerto Rico

Biological pollutants can negatively impact the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a home, school, business or any type of building. Some of the more common biological contaminants listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include bacteria, mold, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, house dust, dust mites, cockroaches and pollen.

EPA goes on to share:
There are many sources of these pollutants. Pollens originate from plants; viruses are transmitted by people and animals; bacteria are carried by people, animals, and soil and plant debris; and household pets are sources of saliva and animal dander. The protein in urine from rats and mice is a potent allergen. When it dries, it can become airborne. Contaminated central air handling systems can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew and other sources of biological contaminants and can then distribute these contaminants through the home.

Possible health effects from exposure to some biological contaminants listed by the agency include hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis and various forms of asthma. EPA also reports that symptoms of health problems caused by biological pollutants may include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever and even digestive problems.

“Every home and building is unique and has the potential to have a myriad of biological pollutants that may impact its indoor environmental quality depending on a number of factors,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “These may include the people and pets that occupy it and their behaviors; the type, design, maintenance, building materials and location of the building; activities that take place indoors; and climate and other local conditions to name a few. At Zimmetry, we are dedicated to helping building owners, facility managers and tenants in Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean optimize indoor conditions with comprehensive building inspections along with testing and monitoring for mold, bacteria, viruses, and a wide range of other biological and chemical pollutants. If a problem is discovered, our experts can help to mitigate or eliminate the concern.”

Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video about biological pollutants that can be found indoors that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/cz-h5XGYGNg

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their building science, indoor air quality, infection control, 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

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