Mitigating Aspergillus Infection Risks in Hospitals and Buildings across Puerto Rico

A potentially life-threatening condition known as aspergillosis is caused by a fungal pathogen named Aspergillus. It is a common type mold that can often be found outdoors and in indoor environments that have suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels.

Fortunately, most healthy people breathe Aspergillus spores without infection concerns. However, some species are known to be a serious infection risk for individuals with weakened immune systems or lung disease. Of the approximately 180 species of Aspergillus, fewer than 40 of them are known to cause infections in humans according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency lists Aspergillus fumigatus as the most common cause of human infections. Some of the other infectious species include A. flavus, A. terreus, A. nidulans, A. niger and A. versicolor.

Exposure typically occurs through inhalation, although occasional outbreaks of cutaneous infection have been traced to contaminated biomedical devices. Various types of aspergillosis include:

• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
• Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus
• Aspergilloma
• Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
• Invasive aspergillosis
• Cutaneous aspergillosis

“Hospitals, nursing homes and other indoor environments with patients, residents or building occupants that are at elevated risk of developing aspergillosis need to be especially aware of indoor mold growth because it often includes Aspergillus,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “It’s also important to note that hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) due to Aspergillus have been associated with dust exposure during building renovations and construction. Like other types of mold, Aspergillus can also act as an allergen, respiratory irritant and asthma trigger for some people.”

Dedicated to identifying and mitigating indoor exposure risks to Aspergillus, and other microbial pathogens and contaminants, are the experts at Zimmetry. They provide infection control, industrial hygiene and indoor environmental quality testing and consulting services in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean. Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video about aspergillosis and Aspergillus that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/65UByEn6Oxc

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

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