Asbestos Testing

Boston, Massachusetts, August 1, 2023

In June, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) assessed a contractor almost $115,000 in penalties for violations of asbestos regulations that occurred during renovation work at a residential property in Worcester back in 2021.

According to MassDEP, their staff identified the violations while inspecting the work site in response to a complaint. The agency determined that the contractor failed to have a licensed asbestos inspector conduct a survey to identify potential asbestos-containing materials (ACM) before beginning renovation work. The contractor also failed to notify MassDEP of asbestos removal work and the contractor did not follow proper removal and handling procedures for ACM.

Contractors involved with construction, renovation, or demolition projects are required to follow regulations that mandate the safe handling and disposal of materials that contain asbestos. This is due to the fact that exposure to asbestos is a well-known health hazard that can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

“Every year in states across the nation, a number of contractors are investigated for alleged asbestos violations,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These cases often result in costly penalties and legal fees, not to mention damaging public relations for the contractors. To help contractors and construction companies comply with health and safety regulations, EMSL has an asbestos testing laboratory in Massachusetts and dozens more across the United States and Canada. We offer material, environmental, and industrial hygiene testing services. EMSL also provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment. These resources not only aid in protecting workers and the public, they can also be instrumental for compliance efforts with federal, state, and local regulations concerning the handling of asbestos-containing materials.”

To learn more about asbestos or other environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To access test kits for asbestos or other indoor environmental quality issues, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.