Some Popcorn Ceilings in Puerto Rico May Contain Asbestos

Aug. 20, 2018 - PRLog -- A standard method for texturing ceilings that was common for many years resulted in what are known as popcorn ceilings. For many homeowners, property managers and landlords with properties built between the 1960s and 1980s, a popular home/building improvement project is to remove these outdated ceilings.

Unfortunately, in many cases, asbestos was used in these textured ceilings. Experienced and educated contractors often know about the potential for asbestos, but most DIYers have no idea their ceilings may contain this known carcinogen.

Coming across asbestos during popcorn ceiling removal or other renovation projects is quite common in older properties. Asbestos containing-materials were used in thousands of products and building materials over decades. In fact, a partial list of just a few of these building products is provide by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and includes: Cement Pipes, Cement Wallboard, Cement Siding, Asphalt Floor Tile, Vinyl Floor Tile, Vinyl Sheet Flooring, Flooring Backing, Construction Mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.), Acoustical Plaster, Decorative Plaster, Textured Paints/Coatings, Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in Panels, Spray-Applied Insulation, Blown-in Insulation, Fireproofing Materials, Taping Compounds (thermal), Packing Materials (for wall/floor penetrations), High Temperature Gaskets, Laboratory Hoods/Table Tops, Laboratory Gloves, Fire Blankets, Fire Curtains, Elevator Equipment Panels, Elevator Brake Shoes, HVAC Duct Insulation, Boiler Insulation, Breaching Insulation, Ductwork Flexible Fabric Connections, Cooling Towers, Pipe Insulation (corrugated air-cell, block, etc.), Heating and Electrical Ducts, Electrical Panel Partitions, Electrical Cloth, Electric Wiring Insulation, Chalkboards, Roofing Shingles, Roofing Felt, Roll Roofing, Roof Patching Cement, Base Flashing, Thermal Paper Products, Fire Doors, Caulking/Putties, Adhesives, Wallboard, Joint Compounds, Vinyl Wall Coverings and Spackling Compounds.

"Popcorn ceiling should be tested for asbestos before any demolition, remodeling or renovation projects take place," said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. "Even left alone, many asbestos-containing materials can become friable over time and release fibers into the air. To protect residents of Puerto Rico from exposure risks and to keep companies and institutions in regulatory compliance, Zimmetry Environmental offers comprehensive testing, monitoring and asbestos consulting services to eliminate these types of exposure hazards."

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 IESAs, and general environmental consulting services.