Flooding remains one of the most significant environmental challenges facing Puerto Rico, especially during hurricane season and periods of heavy rainfall. While communities often focus on visible structural damage after a flood event, hidden indoor environmental hazards can persist long after floodwaters have receded.

According to guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), buildings affected by flooding may contain mold, bacteria, sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants that can negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ) and pose potential health risks to occupants. Mold growth can begin within 24 to 48 hours when moisture remains trapped in building materials, making prompt cleanup and drying critical.

The EPA recommends several important steps for safe flood recovery, including protecting personal safety, removing damaged materials, thoroughly cleaning affected areas, and ensuring buildings are completely dried before reoccupancy. Individuals involved in cleanup efforts should use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including N-95 respirators, gloves, eye protection, long sleeves, and waterproof boots.

In Puerto Rico, where tropical weather and high humidity can accelerate mold growth, special attention should be given to water-damaged materials. Non-porous surfaces can often be cleaned and restored, while porous materials such as carpeting, insulation, ceiling tiles, and certain furnishings may require removal and replacement if they cannot be adequately cleaned and dried.

“Flood events are a reality for many communities throughout Puerto Rico, and the environmental impacts can extend far beyond what is visible,” said Harry Peña, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Environmental testing and industrial hygiene assessments can provide valuable information to help property owners make informed decisions during the recovery process.”

Zimmetry Environmental supports flood recovery efforts across Puerto Rico by providing environmental testing, industrial hygiene consulting, indoor air quality assessments, and remediation oversight services. These resources help facility managers, property owners, schools, healthcare facilities, and businesses identify potential environmental concerns and develop effective recovery strategies following flood events.

The company also recently sponsored an educational video that discusses ways to protect indoor air quality and health during flood cleanup activities. It can be seen below.

For more information about flood recovery, indoor air quality, and environmental consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005, or email info@zimmetry.com.

Workplace safety remains a critical concern for employers and workers across the United States and Puerto Rico. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5,070 workers in the United States died from occupational injuries in 2024. Millions of additional workers experienced workplace injuries and illnesses.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes and enforces workplace safety and health requirements designed to reduce these risks. Employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces, while OSHA inspections help identify hazards and violations that can put workers at risk.

Each year, OSHA releases its “Top 10” list of the most frequently cited OSHA standards. The preliminary fiscal year 2026 list includes:

1. Fall Protection – General Requirements: 4,041 violations
2. Hazard Communication: 1,961 violations
3. Lockout/Tagout: 1,863 violations
4. Scaffolding: 1,725 violations
5. Ladders: 1,659 violations
6. Respiratory Protection: 1,608 violations
7. Powered Industrial Trucks: 1,379 violations
8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements: 1,273 violations
9. Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection: 1,120 violations
10. Machine Guarding: 1,072 violations

Fall protection appears in two categories on OSHA’s preliminary 2026 Top 10 list, underscoring the importance of effective fall prevention and training programs.

The OSHA Top 10 provides employers with a useful reminder of the workplace hazards that continue to result in citations across the country. For organizations in Puerto Rico, understanding these recurring areas of concern can help inform proactive safety programs. The professionals at Zimmetry work with clients to identify workplace hazards, evaluate exposures, provide training, and strengthen health and safety programs that support OSHA and PR OSHA compliance.

Zimmetry Environmental recently sponsored an educational video highlighting OSHA’s 2026 Top 10 Citations. The video is available below.

For more information about Zimmetry Environmental’s industrial hygiene and safety services, visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005, or email info@zimmetry.com.