November 4th, 2004

It has been revealed that Massachusetts environmental agencies performed a number of investigations in to asbestos abuse earlier this year, and discovered nearly two hundred violations in a three month sweep of the state. The violations related to the illegal handling and disposal of this deadly material, regular exposure to which can result in a deadly cancer known as mesothelioma.

The three month investigation commenced at the beginning of February 2004, and entailed the inspection of both public and private work areas. The investigation resulted in over forty enforcement cases, and penalties of well over one million dollars for the guilty parties.

The penalties were enforced due to the potential hazards of asbestos exposure, which could be fatal, and the risks posed to the community at large from the illegal disposal and handling of this material. The environmental agencies have reinforced the fact the rules regarding the handling and disposal of this material must be adhered to for public health reasons, and have made it clear that failure to comply with the laws will result in heavy penalties.