Identifying and Controlling Occupational Exposures to Respirable Dusts in Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico and across the world, many occupations come with risks associated with dust exposure on the job. The list of industries and occupations were dust exposure can be a hazard is diverse and includes workers in construction, demolition, manufacturing, utilities, mining, food processing and agriculture to name just a few.
 
The types of dust generated on a worksite or in a factory can be diverse. Examples include metallic, mineral, chemical and organic dusts. Some of the dusts encountered on the job could contain everything from asbestos and lead to crystalline silica or mold. Even exposure to flour or wood dust can lead to respiratory issues.
 
Exposure to elevated levels of dust (depending on factors such as the source, particle size, concentration and frequency of exposures) can lead to a number of occupational illnesses. These range the gamut, from minor respiratory irritation to allergies, asthma and various forms of cancer. Dust exposure can also exacerbate existing medical conditions in many circumstances.
 
An enclosed workplace with dust issues can also be vulnerable to combustible dust explosions. Combustible dusts are fine particles that present an explosion hazard when suspended in air under certain conditions and are then exposed to an ignition source.  
 
“While completely eliminating exposure to occupational dusts is not typically realistic, there are many ways to minimize worker exposures to these hazards,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “These include dust elimination at the source, containment, ventilation, work practices, training and personal protective equipment (PPE). Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and a number of states have OSHA approved local guidelines and standards for addressing various dusts in the workplace. At Zimmetry, we offer inspections, testing and monitoring services that meet these local requirements. These services not only help to protect worker health and safety, they are also essential in many industries for maintaining regulatory compliance and avoiding costly fines.” 
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their dust or other industrial hygiene, building science, indoor environmental quality, compliance 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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