Final Rule to Ban Asbestos Announced by EPA & Resources in Puerto Rico to Protect Workers and Building Occupants

In March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule to prohibit ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos. Chrysotile asbestos is the only form of asbestos known to be imported, processed or distributed for use in the United States in recent years, according to the agency.

This form of asbestos can be found in various products, including asbestos diaphragms, sheet gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes/linings, other vehicle friction products, and other gaskets. EPA has set compliance deadlines to transition away from each use of chrysotile asbestos, which are as soon as is practicable for each use while also providing a reasonable transition period.

“This is good news for residents of Puerto Rico as exposure to asbestos is known to cause asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer and laryngeal cancer,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Across the entire country, asbestos exposure is linked to more than 40,000 deaths each year. Unfortunately, because of the many past uses of asbestos that went on for decades in thousands of products and building materials, there are still exposure risks in many homes, schools and buildings. As these materials age and become friable, or if they are disturbed during demolition, remodeling and renovation activities, they can easily become aerosolized.”

Dedicated to protecting workers and the public are the asbestos experts at Zimmetry Environmental. Their professionals offer comprehensive testing, consulting and training services to identify asbestos and other exposure hazards in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean. These services can also be essential for keeping companies and institutions in regulatory compliance.

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, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs, and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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