Construction companies must follow asbestos abatement regulations or face stiff penalties. Dellbrook Construction LLC and A-Best Abatement are two New Hampshire companies that will pay $215,000 to settle allegations they mishandled asbestos work.

New Hampshire Attorney General Maura Healey filed an asbestos abatement lawsuit, alleging the general contractor and the asbestos abatement company both violated the state’s clean air laws and asbestos abatement regulations. These measures are in place to protect workers and the community’s residents from asbestos exposure during construction or renovation.

Dellbrook allegedly allowed asbestos particles to enter the air while the company was working on the construction of Harbor Place, a large development project in Haverhill, N.H. During construction, an underground asbestos-based pipe was destroyed, allowing small crushed pieces and particles to float into the air all over the property, alleged the asbestos abatement regulations lawsuit.

Dellbrook was accused of ignoring asbestos abatement regulations. The company also failed to inform the Department of Environmental Protection before they smashed the pipe, which allegedly led to health and safety risks in the area.

Companies Accused of Failing to Follow Asbestos Abatement Regulations

Dellbrook and A-Best Abatement also performed renovations at Mass Mills, a residential development project located in Lowell, N.H. Asbestos materials were allegedly removed from the five-story property’s basement with no attempt to seal or sufficiently ventilate the areas. Asbestos abatement regulations were reportedly not enforced throughout the renovations.

According to the attorney general’s office, asbestos was visibly left behind in the basement. Asbestos-containing materials removed from the building were allegedly placed in ripped, opened bags in an open-top container in the parking lot. Asbestos products allegedly were crushed and removed without a proper inspection of what the materials actually included before demolition began and without consulting the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Attorney General Healey announced her Healthy Buildings, Healthy Air initiative in March to ensure asbestos abatement regulations are followed. Any company that violates the law will be held accountable for risking the health and safety of children, families, and workers.

Why Asbestos Abatement Regulations Are Important

Asbestos-related diseases can be crippling, and even deadly. Mesothelioma lung cancer is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Tiny asbestos particles settle in the lining of the lungs where the material can fester for 20 to 50 years. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent dry cough, persistent chest pain, difficulty swallowing, night sweats/fever, and fatigue.

Asbestosis a similar disease affecting the connective tissue within the lungs. Excessive connective tissue creates scars and inflammation both in and around the lungs. This tissue and resulting irritation from it can lead to lung cancer or mesothelioma lung cancer. There is no cure for asbestosis.

Asbestos lung cancer develops when the lungs produce an inflammatory response to the asbestos particles. Anyone who smokes and also experiences asbestos exposure has an exponentially higher risk of developing lung cancer than a person who lives with just one of those factors. Because asbestos is a known carcinogen with verifiable dangers, companies must pay heed to asbestos abatement regulations.