Residents of Puerto Rico Reminded of Airborne Carcinogens during Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Today is the last day of Lung Cancer Awareness Month.  It is an important reminder of this deadly disease, although many people in Puerto Rico are exposed to respirable carcinogens and irritants all year long.  Sadly, many people do not know they have developed lung cancer until the late stages of the condition when treatment choices are limited.
 
In the United States alone, the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 221,000 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed in the United States and over 158,000 deaths this year. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death due to cancer and the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in both genders. 
 
Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, but there are many other environmental pollutants that can also increase a person’s risk of developing the disease. The Surgeon General has reported that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and health experts recommend people have their homes tested.  Asbestos, which was used in many building materials in both residential and commercial properties, is another cause of lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Exposure to various pollutants and industrial chemicals and substances, such as silica particles, may also increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer.  
 
“Although Lung Cancer Awareness Month is important for raising awareness of this disease, we all need to remain vigilant of respirable hazards that some people are regularly exposed in their home or work environment,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “Knowing what is in the air people breathe is the first step. This allows corrective measures to be implemented to ensure a healthy environment free of carcinogens and respiratory irritants.”
 
In Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean, Zimmetry Environmental provides air quality testing and industrial hygiene services to identify exposure risks. They offer testing and consulting services for asbestos, radon, environmental tobacco smoke, silica and a wide range of other respirable hazards.
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their indoor air quality, environmental and compliance 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.
 

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Paul Cochrane

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Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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