Governor Pedro Pierluisi described the damage suffered in Puerto Rico due to Hurricane Fiona as catastrophic. In response to the natural disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the Government of Puerto Rico to supplement the local government's response efforts to the emergency conditions resulting from the hurricane.

The path of destruction and property damage left behind by Hurricane Fiona across much of Puerto Rico and the surrounding region is considerable. Powerful gusts and up to 30 inches of rain caused widespread flooding, mudslides and downed power lines leading to most of the islands' electrical system shutting down for days or more.

In the hurricane's aftermath, people have begun to assess the damage to homes, schools, hospitals and businesses. As time has progressed, it's important that residents recognize that mold will have begun to grow in less than 48 hours on many of the water damaged building materials, furnishings and personal belongings that remained wet. While some nonporous materials can be cleaned and salvaged, most porous materials will need to be discarded.

“Other exposure concerns include bacteria, sewage and chemical hazards that entered properties with floodwaters,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paints also need to be handled safely during cleanup, demolition and repair activities. As experts in hurricane damage and the many potential environmental hazards left behind, Zimmetry's building science and industrial hygiene professionals are available to assist residents, businesses and institutions throughout Puerto Rico. With extensive experience following Hurricanes Maria, Irma and many others over the years, our staff from Puerto Rico can assess the damage and exposure risks, and help to ensure demolition, repair and rebuilding activities are done safely. These services protect workers and future building occupants from exposure risks to mold, bacteria, chemicals, asbestos, lead and more.”

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their industrial hygiene, building science and environmental 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 (IAQ), asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.

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