Experts Provide Services to Prevent Silicosis in Puerto Rico

Zimmetry Environmental provides crystalline silica testing and monitoring services across Puerto Rico and the Caribbean to reduce exposure risks.
By: Zimmetry Environmental
 
 
Zimmetry Environmental
Zimmetry Environmental
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - July 14, 2014 - PRLog -- Silica exposure remains a serious threat to several million U.S. workers, including more than 100,000 workers in high risk jobs such as abrasive blasting, foundry work, stonecutting, rock drilling, quarry work and tunneling. Exposure also occurs during many different construction activities and some manufacturing processes.

These same risks can be found in Puerto Rico and across many parts of the Caribbean.  The seriousness of the health hazards associated with silica exposure is demonstrated by the fatalities and disabling illnesses that continue to occur in sandblasters and rock drillers.

Crystalline silica is a basic component of soil, sand, granite and many other minerals.  Quartz is the most common form of crystalline silica.  Cristobalite and tridymite are two other forms of crystalline silica.  All three forms may become respirable size particles when workers chip, cut, drill or grind objects that contain crystalline silica.

“Crystalline silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “Silicosis is the name of a disease of the lungs that results from breathing dust that contains crystalline silica particles. This dust can cause fibrosis or scar tissue formations in the lungs that reduce the lung's ability to work. There is no cure for this disease, prevention is the only answer.”

There are several stages of silicosis and early stages may go completely unnoticed. Continued exposure may result in the exposed person noticing a shortness of breath upon exercising, possible fever and occasionally bluish skin at the ear lobes or lips.  Progression of the disease leads to fatigue, extreme shortness of breath, loss of appetite, pain in the chest and respiratory failure, which all may lead to death. Acute silicosis may develop after short periods of exposure. Chronic silicosis usually occurs after 10 or more years.

Zimmetry Environmental provides air testing and monitoring services to protect workers and the public near areas where activities can cause crystalline silica particles to become airborne.  To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and crystalline silica or other air, 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 IESAs and general environmental consulting services.

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Source:Zimmetry Environmental
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Tags:Silica, Puerto Rico, Ehs, Air Testing, Media
Industry:Construction, Industrial
Location:San Juan - Puerto Rico - Puerto Rico
Subject:Features
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