Global Asbestos Awareness Week and Protecting Building Occupants and Workers from Exposure Risks

The 21^st annual Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) takes place this week. It occurs each year during the first week of April and was started by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. The week-long event is designed to raise public awareness of asbestos hazards and mitigate future exposure risks.

Asbestos is a generic name given to six fibrous minerals that have been used in numerous commercial products and building materials over the years because of its low cost, high tensile strength, chemical and thermal stability, high flexibility, and low electrical conductivity. The minerals include chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite. Exposure to asbestos fibers over time can cause a number of diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

“Even in the United States, where we banned many uses of asbestos years ago, exposure hazards still exist,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “This is primarily due to the many past uses of asbestos in building materials and products. We find asbestos-containing materials in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings on a regular basis. When these materials become friable with age, or if they are improperly handled or disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and remain in the air for a significant period of time.”

To help protect workers and building occupants, the industrial hygiene, environmental, and building science professionals at CTSI offer comprehensive asbestos testing, consulting, and training services. These resources help to protect people and are often essential for keeping businesses and institutions in regulatory compliance.

To learn more about asbestos or other industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com, or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered by CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself on utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail