Paul Cochrane

Each year, thousands of people across Puerto Rico enjoy coastal activities such as swimming, fishing, and eating fresh seafood. However, these environments can also present exposure risks to Vibrio, a naturally occurring bacteria found in warm, salty, or brackish waters, especially during warmer months., , , , According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, certain species can cause vibriosis, an illness ranging from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to serious wound infections. Peo...

In celebration of National Homeownership Month taking place this June, Zimmetry Environmental is reinforcing the importance of healthy indoor environments and encouraging homeowners throughout Puerto Rico to take proactive steps to protect the safety and well-being of their living spaces., , , , National Homeownership Month recognizes the value of owning a home while promoting access to safe, affordable housing. It also serves as a timely reminder that a home is more than just a place to live,...

Preventable workplace injuries remain a major concern for workers and employers across the United States and Puerto Rico. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 5,070 fatal work injuries were recorded nationwide in 2024. During that same year, private employers reported more than 2.5 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses., , , , To promote safer workplaces and encourage proactive safety practices, the National Safety Council established National Safety Month in 199...

Zimmetry Environmental, Puerto Rico’s premier industrial hygiene and environmental consulting firm, is calling on employers in the construction, stone fabrication, and countertop industries to address the growing risk of silicosis among workers who handle engineered stone products., , , , Engineered stone, commonly used in kitchen and bathroom countertops, can contain extremely high levels of crystalline silica. Cutting, grinding, or polishing these materials can release fine respirable silica...

Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidance to help reduce the risk of Legionnaires’ disease in short-term rental properties. The guidance outlines steps to help prevent Legionella growth in building water systems and water features commonly found in rental properties., , , , Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia that occurs when people inhale small water droplets contaminated with the bacteria., , , , “Tra...

House dust is a part of everyday life, yet few people fully understand what it contains or how it can impact human health. Far from being simple dirt, house dust is a complex mixture of materials originating from both indoor and outdoor environments. These may include soil particles, human skin cells, pet dander, textile fibers, pollen, mold spores, and microscopic organisms such as dust mites and their waste byproducts., , , , For many individuals, exposure to house dust can trigger allergic...

Zimmetry Environmental, Puerto Rico’s leading environmental testing company, is applauding a recent announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allocating $555,000 to help protect the islands’ waterways from sewage overflows, an important step toward improving water quality and public health., , , , The funding is designed to reduce pollution caused by sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), which can contaminate rivers, coastal waters, and drinking water sources. These incidents p...

Lead in soil is an often-overlooked environmental hazard affecting families and businesses across both urban and rural communities. Zimmetry Environmental, Puerto Rico’s leading lead testing and consulting firm, is raising awareness about the risks associated with soil contamination and the steps individuals and organizations can take to reduce exposure., , , , While lead is a naturally occurring element, most of the lead found in soil today is the result of decades of human activity. The hist...

As students and educators across Puerto Rico prepare to return to classrooms for the 2026–2027 academic year, attention is once again turning to the importance of safe and healthy indoor environments. Establishing optimal indoor conditions is a key factor in supporting student success, staff well-being, and overall academic performance., , , , Following the summer recess, reopening school facilities requires careful evaluation of building systems and conditions. This includes inspecting HVAC s...

Safe & Sound Week 2026 is being observed from August 10th through the 16th as part of a nationwide effort led by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), PR OSHA, and safety organizations committed to advancing workplace health and safety. The annual campaign highlights the importance of effective safety and health programs that protect workers while strengthening businesses and institutions., , , , Safe & Soun...