Addressing Ongoing Asbestos Exposure Risks in Puerto Rico

Asbestos remains a serious health and safety concern in Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean. For decades, it was widely used in thousands of building materials and products, many of which are still present in buildings and structures today.

While asbestos-containing materials are not always dangerous if left undisturbed, they can become hazardous as they age and deteriorate, or when they are damaged during renovation, demolition, or remodeling projects. Once asbestos fibers are released into the air, they pose significant health risks.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), inhaling asbestos fibers increases the risk of developing lung cancer; mesothelioma, a rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, and heart; and asbestosis, a chronic, progressive lung disease.

“Because symptoms of asbestos-related diseases often take years to appear, prevention is the most effective protection,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “The only way to confirm whether a material contains asbestos is through proper testing. Likewise, environmental sampling is essential to determine if exposure risks exist. Since asbestos is highly regulated, organizations that fail to manage these materials responsibly could face severe penalties while endangering people’s health.”

Zimmetry Environmental offers comprehensive asbestos inspection, testing, monitoring, consulting, and training services in Puerto Rico and across the rest of the Caribbean. The company’s industrial hygiene experts help property owners, businesses, and institutions identify risks, reduce exposure, protect occupants, and remain in compliance with all applicable regulations.

For more information about asbestos and other environmental, health, safety, and compliance services, 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