Puerto Rico’s Building Science Experts Share Information about Asbestos & Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a disease where cancer cells are found in the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs or the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen.  Many people with malignant mesothelioma have worked or lived in places where they inhaled or swallowed asbestos. After being exposed to asbestos, it can take years for malignant mesothelioma to form. 
 
Because of its fiber strength and heat resistance, asbestos was used in a variety of manufactured goods and building construction materials in the past.  Asbestos fibers may be released into the air by the disturbance of asbestos-containing materials during product use, demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair and remodeling activities. These fibers can then be inhaled by people in the area.  Even people who live with a person that worked near or with asbestos may be at increased risk for developing mesothelioma.
 
“Many homes and buildings in Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean still have asbestos containing materials in them,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “In addition to causing mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos can cause lung cancer and asbestosis.  It is important to identify structures that have asbestos and to test the air to determine if building occupants are being exposed to asbestos fibers.  This is especially true during demolition or remodeling activities.”
 
In Puerto Rico, in order to obtain a General Consolidated Permit, a certificate is required that states that there is no asbestos in the project. Zimmetry provides testing and full compliance with all asbestos regulations to protect people’s health and to prevent costly non-compliance violations. 
 
Zimmetry recently sponsored an educational video about malignant mesothelioma and asbestos that can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEyopPp9Ck4
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their asbestos, 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.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

info@cochraneassoc.com