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

The 20^th Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) takes place this week from April 1^st through the 7^th. The annual event is meant to raise public awareness of asbestos hazards and diseases that continue to impact people around the globe, and promote ways to prevent exposure to deadly asbestos fibers.

Asbestos is a generic name given to six fibrous minerals that have been used in commercial products for decades. Asbestos is still used in some countries, but even in places like the United States that banned many uses years ago, exposure hazards still exist. This is due to the fact that asbestos was used in thousands of products and building materials because of its low cost, high tensile strength, chemical and thermal stability, high flexibility and low electrical conductivity.

“Exposure to asbestos fibers over time can result in mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer and other forms of cancer,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “For most people, the primary route of exposure comes from the inhalation of airborne fibers. In Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean, Zimmetry Environmental offers building and worksite inspections for asbestos-containing materials. We also provide industrial hygiene testing, consulting and training resources to identify and mitigate asbestos fiber threats from air, dust, soil, water and bulk samples. These services not only protect workers and the public, they are also often essential for keeping businesses and institutions in regulatory compliance.”

Several years ago, Zimmetry sponsored an educational video about Global Asbestos Awareness Week that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/CBv3JSJXVdQ

To learn more about asbestos or other industrial hygiene, environmental, health, safety or compliance resources, 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

Contact via E-mail