Identifying Ceilings Tiles and Other Materials that Contain Asbestos and Could Pose a Threat to Building Occupants in Puerto Rico

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the production of commercial products containing asbestos began in the early 1900s and the mineral was used to create about 3,000 different products during much of the 20^th century. It was a popular material due to its low cost, strength, sound absorption qualities and ability to resist heat, electricity and corrosion.
 
Many of the products and building materials created decades ago can still be found today in residential, commercial and institutional properties. One of these asbestos-containing materials (ACM) is ceiling tiles. Ceiling tiles with asbestos can be found in numerous homes and buildings that were constructed or renovated from about the 1940s and 50s up until about 1980.
 
“There are a number of large companies that used to make ceiling tiles that contained asbestos,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “These ceiling tiles were commonly installed in basements, offices, schools, hospitals and countless other applications where a drop down ceiling or other application was needed. The problem today is these old ceiling tiles are friable and could release asbestos fibers into the air if they are disturbed. This could happen when renovations are taking place or simply if the ceiling tiles are moved to access systems within the ceiling space. The ceiling space is the gap between the ceiling tiles and the roof or floor above and is where plumbing, HVAC, electrical and fire suppression systems are frequently housed.”  
 
The only way to know for sure if a ceiling tile or other suspect material contains asbestos is to have it tested. As a regulated substance, asbestos has to be handled properly to avoid putting workers and building occupants at risk of exposure and costly noncompliance penalties. In Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean, Zimmetry Environmental is one of the primary providers of asbestos testing, monitoring and consulting services. Their experts help to eliminate exposure hazards and keep companies and institutions in regulatory compliance.
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their asbestos, indoor air quality (IAQ), environmental or compliance testing 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 services.
 

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail