Two Asbestos Removal Companies in Washington Fined Over $800,000 for Allegedly Exposing Workers and the Public to Unsafe Conditions

Last month, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced that two asbestos removal contractors were facing a combined $800,000+ in fines for knowingly and repeatedly exposing employees and the public to extremely hazardous conditions. One of the firms was cited with 13 willful serious violations in connection with two separate June 2021 inspections for intentional disregard of asbestos regulations and continuing to pursue and complete abatement work without certification or a contractor’s license. The other asbestos removal company faces 10 willful serious citations.

L&I warned:

Asbestos is extremely hazardous and can cause potentially fatal diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Only a certified abatement contractor that follows specific asbestos-related safety and health rules may remove and dispose of asbestos-containing building materials.

“These cases involved materials such as popcorn ceilings and flooring that contained asbestos,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These are just a few of the many materials that can still be found in homes, schools, and buildings that were once commonly made with asbestos. Asbestos exposure risks can be significant during remodeling and demolition projects due to the waste, dust, and debris created. At EMSL we help demolition and renovation companies identify asbestos hazards with material, air, dust, and other asbestos testing services. EMSL has a laboratory in Washington, and dozens more across the United States and Canada. We also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and even personal protective equipment (PPE). These services and products protect workers, building occupants and the environment. They can also be essential for helping to keep companies in regulatory compliance.”

To learn more about EMSL’s laboratory testing services and products, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to asbestos and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories 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, VOC’s, 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail