National COPD Awareness Month and the Importance of Healthy Indoor Air in Puerto Rico

Tobacco smoke is a well-known contributor to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but it is far from the only risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in four people living with COPD have never smoked. Exposure to airborne pollutants in homes and workplaces, such as bioaerosols, gases, dusts, and fumes, can also play a significant role in the onset and progression of the disease.

COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, impairs breathing and affects nearly 16 million adults in the United States. Millions more remain undiagnosed or untreated. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• Excess mucus or phlegm production
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty taking deep breaths

“National COPD Awareness Month in November is a time to spotlight how this disease develops, strategies for managing it, and steps to prevent new cases,” said Harry Peña, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “At Zimmetry, we are committed to helping people in Puerto Rico and throughout the region reduce their exposure to airborne hazards that can trigger or worsen respiratory conditions. Our industrial hygiene and indoor air quality experts provide testing, consulting, and training to identify chemical and biological contaminants, allergens, and irritants. When problems are found, our building science professionals work with clients to design solutions that eliminate or minimize risks at home or in the workplace.”

Zimmetry also produced an educational video on National COPD Awareness Month, which remains available here: https://youtu.be/Sbl4FLOFBmc

For more information about Zimmetry’s industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, and compliance 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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