Asbestos Abatement Contractors Beware

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was widely used in a variety of building materials. The use of asbestos was fitted in nearly every home or building built before 1978. Generally, asbestos does not cause health problems unless its fibers are released into the air; so many structures built before the 1980s still contain asbestos.

Evidence has proven that inhaling small asbestos fibers can lead to a variety of health issues, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer and gastrointestinal cancer.

This is why the proper removal of asbestos-containing materials is extremely important. Unfortunately, some asbestos abatement companies do not follow the required procedures necessary to protect public health.

In a recent example, a New York businessman that was previously convicted of illegal asbestos removal has been indicted for a second time on similar charges. Paul Mancuso is facing up to 55 years in federal prison for violating the Clean Air law.

His 70-year-old father Lester and his brother Steven Mancuso have also been involved in illegal removal of asbestos at several different locations throughout upstate New York. To make matters worse, his other brother Ronald recently pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Superfund Act. He also admitted to illegally dumping asbestos on the sides of roads.

Because of Paul’s previous convictions, he was prohibited from engaging in any future asbestos abatement projects. However, he strategically set up separate companies in the names of relatives and associates to hide his continued involvement in such work.

During this time, Paul and his father performed numerous asbestos-related projects that contaminated businesses and homes. In addition, they too failed to properly dispose asbestos-containing materials by dumping waste on the sides of roads.

Steven Mancuso, a lawyer, is being charged with helping his family engage in illegal activities by preparing false and fraudulent documents that made their work appear to be legal.

In addition to facing a possible 55 years in prison, Paul also faces fines up to $2.7 million. His father Lester could be sentenced to 23 years in jail and fined $1.25 million. While Steven Mancuso could be handed five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, his brother Ronald only faces up to three years in jail with a fine up to $250,000.

Although federal regulations for asbestos abatement may vary from state to state, keep in mind that all guidelines are strictly enforced and should be followed.

For more information on asbestos abatement, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 9th, 2008 at 3:47 pm and is filed under Asbestos Abatement, Asbestos Exposure, Asbestos Legislation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.