ASBESTOS STATE LAWS

Warming up to asbestos laws in your state

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Labor – through the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) – regulate federal asbestos laws and how asbestos removal procedures are to be conducted. State and local agencies may specify even stricter policies.

Understanding state asbestos laws

August 10, 2010 – When choosing among asbestos abatement companies in your state, and evaluating their professional standing and knowledge of state asbestos laws, seek guidance from your regional office of the Department of Environmental Protection.

Consult your EPA regional office

The EPA maintains 10 regional offices around the country to oversee federal environmental programs, including those related to the handling and disposal of asbestos-based building products (like wallboard, also known as sheetrock).

Asbestos-based products are only a health threat when they are physically disturbed, deteriorating, or when the materials are damaged during demolition or renovation work. The EPA recommends leaving the suspect material alone for professional evaluation.

EPA regional offices cooperate with federal, state, interstate and local agencies to ensure that regional needs are addressed and that federal environmental laws are upheld.

Within each EPA regional office, an administrator designates asbestos coordinators to oversee environmental efforts and abatement companies within the state.

EPA regional offices are also good sources of information about asbestos abatement contractors and asbestos removal cost.

The administrator for EPA Region 2 (New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) is Robert Fitzpatrick, 290 Broadway, 21st floor, New York, NY 10007. Telephone: (212) 637-3918.

The dangers of asbestos exposure

Asbestos exposure occurs when workers or homeowners accidentally inhale microscopic airborne asbestos fibers while installing or removing asbestos-based products.

Occupational asbestos exposure has caused thousands of deaths among unprotected workers, many of whom developed malignant mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Some 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed every year in the United States, and most cases are diagnosed 30 years or more after exposure.

Weitz & Luxenberg for mesothelioma legal support

Weitz & Luxenberg has successfully obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for thousands of asbestos-injured workers. Claims were filed against employers and product manufacturers who deliberately denied a safe environment to workers in an unconscionable attempt to reduce costs and boost profits.

Every mesothelioma cancer lawyer at our firm understands the emotional and financial complexities of asbestos disease in the family – and exactly what is required to secure maximum compensation for the injured worker’s family.

For professional legal help in pressing your mesothelioma claim, contact Weitz & Luxenberg today through the form at left. The initial consultation is free and the information you receive will be invaluable, and comes with no obligations.

Protect your family’s future financial well-being by contacting us today for a free case review.