If you own a home or commercial building and you discover the presence of asbestos in your structure, you will likely call on a certified, professional asbestos abatement company to handle the safe and legal removal and disposal of this toxin, as exposure to asbestos may cause asbestos cancer, also known as mesothelioma. When we call upon a company such as this, we assume that the information they provide, including certifications, references, and Social Security numbers are valid. However, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) the number of asbestos abatement companies that are presenting fake certifications to potential clients are increasing. In fact, EPA reports that a third of workers at a construction site in Florida recently presented “bogus” certificates and fake Social Security numbers. Several other workers at that particular site gave EPA officials fake names that actually belonged to people who had died.
The issue of false certifications is not the only concern related to asbestos abatement companies. Many asbestos abatement company owners have been charged recently with falsifying business reports or performing asbestos removal without the proper licensure or notifying local and national environmental departments, including EPA. One such instance occurred in New York’s Westchester County, where Dominic Perruccio, owner of Earth Research Laboratories, claimed he was licensed to perform asbestos abatement but had never actually undergoing the necessary training to become certified after his certification was “suspended” in 2007. Another related instance occurred in Syracuse, New York last month when two men were charged with illegally removing asbestos, which is considered a violation of the Clean Air Act. Both men face prison time and substantial fines.
The unfortunate question remains for individuals who are seeking a company to handle asbestos removal: how do we know if a company is actually licensed and certified? According to EPA, each state has different qualifications for becoming a licensed asbestos abatement technician, and the federal government mandates a series of training courses. The EPA website suggests checking all references thoroughly prior to hiring any asbestos removal company, and if you are still concerned as to whether or not the company is licensed, EPA recommends checking with local and state authorities to verify. It is important to note that not all contractors, plumbers, or roofers, for example, are certified to remove asbestos materials; these individuals must undergo training in order to handle any asbestos-related situations.
It is imperative to hire a licensed professional to remove and dispose of any asbestos materials, as exposure to this toxin can cause mesothelioma, a deadly cancer.
The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center urges all individuals to verify the licensure and certification of any asbestos abatement company prior to beginning asbestos removal to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
For further information regarding asbestos exposure the related health issues, including the development of mesothelioma cancer, please visit the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center website.
