August 1, 2012 – Local, state and federal regulations regarding the removal and disposal of asbestos materials are in place to keep the public safe from asbestos exposure, a known cause of malignant mesothelioma. The U.S. Department of Environmental Protection (USDEP) requires the removal of asbestos materials before a building can be renovated or demolished. Once asbestos is broken or disturbed it becomes a life threatening, hazardous material. When asbestos materials are disturbed by drilling, sawing, scraping or sanding, the material can do irreversible damage to a person’s lungs if it is inhaled.
The USDEP regulates the removal, collection, transportation and disposal of asbestos materials, requiring certification of all asbestos removal-related occupations. Contractors, inspectors, supervisors and all workers involved in removing asbestos must be certified in asbestos safety, abatement procedures, and the harmful health effects of asbestos. To become certified, workers must have the knowledge of federal safety standards. It is illegal to engage in any asbestos occupation without proper certification.
Asbestos Violators Held Accountable
Owners of a Massachusetts asbestos removal company found out firsthand how serious their state is about following asbestos removal and disposal regulations. The owners violated the Massachusetts Clean Air & Solid Waste Acts when they improperly removed and disposed of asbestos materials from both private and public buildings including schools, a library and a woman’s shelter. They left asbestos debris behind at the jobsites, exposing the public to asbestos fibers and their devastating effects.
The Massachusetts Environmental Strike Force that prosecutes crimes that threaten the environment received information that the owners were illegally storing bags of asbestos in unauthorized storage units. Upon further investigation, the strike force discovered that the owners were not licensed to remove asbestos and had convinced other contractors to file the asbestos notifications with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, as required. One of the owners was sentenced to 30 days in jail and three years on probation. The other owner did not receive jail time but will also be on probation for three years.
Philadelphia Mesothelioma Attorneys Help Victims of Asbestos Exposure
Shein Law in Philadelphia remains committed to helping victims of asbestos exposure due to illegal asbestos removal and disposal. Our mesothelioma attorneys are dedicated to providing experienced legal representation to those who have been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or asbestos related diseases. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team of attorneys fights diligently to ensure that our clients and their family’s obtain the financial compensation they deserve. Call our office today at 1-800-SHEINLAW or contact us online.