Mar. 24, 2015 – SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — In Puerto Rico, over 3% of the population suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also known as COPD. That amounts to close to 110,000 residents who are afflicted by a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.
COPD includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and in some cases asthma. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute reports that COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 120,000 American lives each year. More than 12 million have been diagnosed with the condition, but another 12 million are likely to have COPD and don't know it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "In the United States, tobacco smoke is a key factor in the development and progression of COPD, although exposure to air pollutants in the home and workplace, genetic factors, and respiratory infections also play a role."
"A typical indoor environment could be home to elevated levels of everything from mold, dust mites and pet dander to fragrances and volatile organic compounds from cleaning chemicals that can make conditions difficult for those who have been diagnosed with COPD," said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. "At Zimmetry, our indoor air quality professionals are experts at identifying indoor allergens and pollutants that can cause or aggravate a host of health issues. Air testing can provides answers to existing problems which can then be addressed."
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 (IAQ), asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase IESAs and general environmental consulting services.
