Contractor Fined for Alleged Asbestos Violations

EMSL Analytical provides accurate and affordable asbestos testing solutions.

Westmont, NJ

Recently a contractor from Washington was fined tens of thousands of dollars by environmental regulators in Oregon for violating asbestos regulations during an abatement project. The contractor has appealed the fine according to reports from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

The Clean Air Act and the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants require contractors to follow certain steps during projects that involve asbestos. These requirements include actions that must be taken before work commences, during renovations and to ensure proper waste disposal.

The contractor has been accused of multiple violations related to an asbestos abatement project the contractor was involved with at a retirement facility. According to the DEQ the contractor did not complete all the required documentation and removed containment materials before sampling the air quality. This is the second time this year this contractor has faced fines from the DEQ over asbestos violations.

Asbestos can be found in a wide range of common building materials from insulation, flooring, ceilings, roofing, siding to even fire coating materials. During abatement projects asbestos can be easily aerosolized which creates a dangerous environment for workers and building occupants. Without the proper safety precautions asbestos can easily be inhaled during renovation projects which could increase one’s chance of developing lung cancer. Cancers associated with asbestos exposure can take up to decades to appear.

EMSL Analytical, one of the nation’s largest asbestos testing laboratories, has been providing asbestos testing services since 1981. “EMSL strongly encourages contractors to have suspect building materials tested before any renovations or abatement projects begin,” reported Joe Frasca, Executive Vice President for EMSL Analytical. “It is a quick and cost effective way to ensure materials are handled safely to protect workers, building occupants and to prevent costly fines,” Frasca continued.

To learn more about asbestos testing or other testing needs please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of consumer product, environmental, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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