Asbestos Still Lurks in Many Commercial and Residential Properties in Puerto Rico

Asbestos was used for decades in many building products found in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean. It is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that when added to building products, offers desirable attributes such as increased strength, corrosion resistance, acoustical dampening, thermal insulation and fire resistance.
 
It is most likely to be found in homes and buildings constructed between approximately the 1930s through the 1970s.  It was used in everything from roofing and siding to insulation, flooring, and textured paints and painting compounds.  Some reports indicate it was used in over 3000 materials by the 1970s.
 
The use of asbestos in most building materials has been greatly diminished for some time; however, its past use means asbestos is still present in many homes and commercial buildings.  When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, asbestos fibers may be released into the air, which can then be inhaled by building occupants. This is especially true during demolition, renovation and remodeling activities.
 
Years of scientific research have clearly established that breathing asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma and respiratory diseases such as asbestosis.  The risk of developing these diseases increases with the amount and type of asbestos fibers inhaled.
 
“Unless materials are labeled as containing asbestos, which very few are, they only way to know is to have it tested,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Any friable materials that could contain it should be tested and having an asbestos inspection before construction or demolition activities take place in an older builder is essential for not only protecting workers and building occupants, but also for complying with health and safety regulations in many circumstances.” 
 
Zimmetry’s professionals provide comprehensive testing and consulting services to identify asbestos and other exposure hazards.  To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and asbestos, indoor air quality, environmental, or compliance testing and consulting 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.
 

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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