Fungal Disease Awareness Week 2026: Protecting Indoor Environments Across Puerto Rico

Today marks the beginning of Fungal Disease Awareness Week (FDAW), observed September 14–18. Established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the annual observance raises awareness about fungal diseases, their impact on public health, and the importance of prevention, early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Fungal diseases can affect people in many settings, and the risk may be particularly important in Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean, where warm, humid conditions can contribute to fungal growth in indoor and outdoor environments. People with weakened or suppressed immune systems are generally at greater risk for serious fungal infections, but environmental exposure to elevated concentrations of fungi can also contribute to respiratory irritation, allergies, and asthma symptoms.

“Fungal diseases remain an important public health concern, and awareness is a critical part of prevention,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “In Puerto Rico, where climate and environmental conditions can support fungal growth, identifying moisture problems and potential sources of microbial contamination can be an important component of protecting building occupants and maintaining healthier indoor environments.”

Fungal disease prevention also underscores the importance of appropriate infection control and environmental assessment. When microbial growth or contamination is suspected, timely investigation can help identify contributing conditions and determine appropriate measures for remediation and exposure reduction.

In Puerto Rico, the industrial hygiene, indoor environmental quality, and infection control professionals at Zimmetry Environmental help organizations identify and mitigate concerns involving fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens. Their services include comprehensive building inspections, moisture assessments, and air, surface, and water testing and monitoring to help identify potential exposure concerns.

Zimmetry also provides environmental consulting, compliance support, and training for businesses, healthcare facilities, schools, government agencies, property managers, and other organizations seeking to better understand and manage environmental health risks.

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and its testing, compliance, consulting, and training services, 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