Future Environment Designs Training Center specializes in asbestos, indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, and occupational safety training programs. We offer New York State asbestos and mold certification courses. We design, develop, and maintain the various indoor air quality, asbestos, and safety programs that are Keeping Your Employees Safe.
On October 5, 1988, Angelo Garcia, III, founded Future Environment Designs, Inc. (FEDTC) as an indoor air quality consulting and training service to the facility management sector. Since then, we have transformed the company into a provider of asbestos, mold, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance training. That has enabled us to continue for 37 years, with plans to continue for at least another 13 years.
Once we converted the company into a training company, we became completely focused on our Blue Ocean Strategy of separating our company from our competitors by including additional services in our training courses to meet our clients' needs. Services like:
supplying personal protective equipment (PPE),
providing quantitative respirator fit testing,
providing respirator medical evaluations,
our monthly Safety Suzy newsletter with content on asbestos, mold, indoor air quality, and occupational safety and health information,
our blog where we post items of interest and discussion,
In keeping with our Blue Ocean Strategy, we are starting a program called "After the Refresher". "After the Refresher" will consist of interviews and recordings with people who attended our refresher classes, where our attendees get to introduce themselves and we discuss some of the topics we covered in the refresher class. As we develop this program, we hope to interview people at conferences and other events that have an impact on the asbestos, mold, and OSHA compliance business.
In our first episode above, we discussed the different items we are currently discussing in our asbestos refresher courses. In our second episode below, we interviewed John Paciulli of Insight Environmental, Inc., on the new New York State Department of Laborfact sheet on asbestos surveys and how it would impact the asbestos and mold industries. We also discuss issues regarding contamination assessments.
As we continue to develop these programs and services, we are looking forward to what the next 13 years have to offer. When you watch these programs, please don't forget to subscribe to Future Environment Designs Training Center's YouTube Channel and hit the like button. Thank you!
On September 16, 2025, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act of 2025. This long-overdue legislation finally addresses what many of us in the asbestos and environmental industry have been fighting for decades: a complete ban on asbestos in all its forms.
“On behalf of the Environmental Information Association, I express our strong support for the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025. We greatly appreciate the continuing commitment of Congress to finally ban commercial asbestos—a toxic substance our members have worked tirelessly to help manage and remediate for decades. With the passage of ARBAN, the United States will finally join nearly 70 countries that have already taken decisive action to protect public health.”
For those of us in the industry, the facts remain painfully clear: asbestos exposure has caused generations of suffering, disease, and death. The scientific consensus is undeniable—there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Yet in 2025, asbestos remains legal in the United States. ARBAN represents the first comprehensive solution that will finally align the U.S. with international public health standards and put an end to preventable asbestos-related tragedies.
Linda Reinstein of ADAO
Linda Reinstein, President of ADAO, powerfully reminded us:
“We have known for decades that asbestos causes suffering, disease, and death. It is long past time to end the importation and use of all asbestos in the United States and put a stop to the preventable tragedies that have claimed far too many American lives.”
Ban all asbestos — including all six recognized fibers, plus winchite and richterite
Close regulatory loopholes left by EPA’s 2024 rule
Ensure permanent protections through legislation immune to court reversal
With more than 40,000 Americans dying each year from asbestos-related diseases, the stakes could not be higher. Passing ARBAN is not only about preventing illness and death today - it is about securing a healthier, safer future for workers, families, and communities across the nation.
As someone who has spent their career in the asbestos and industrial hygiene field, we cannot stress enough how critical this legislation is. The United States has delayed for far too long. It is time for Congress to act. Contact your legislators today and urge them to support the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025. Together, we can end asbestos use in the U.S. once and for all.
September 11, 2001, is a day that remains etched in all our memories. The tragic events at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, PA, changed our nation forever. But beyond the immediate loss of life, another tragedy unfolded quietly in the months and years that followed - tens of thousands of responders, survivors, and community members began experiencing serious health problems directly related to their 9/11 exposure.
That’s why the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, managed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), is so critical. Established to provide medical monitoring and treatment, this program continues to serve those whose health was compromised by their bravery or simply by their presence in lower Manhattan during and after 9/11. Today, more than 127,000 members are enrolled, including over 83,000 responders and 44,000 survivors.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility is broader than many realize. You may qualify if you:
Worked, lived, or went to school or daycare in the NYC disaster area between 9/11/01 and mid-2002.
They were present in the dust cloud on 9/11.
Performed rescue, recovery, cleanup, or related work at Ground Zero, the Staten Island Landfill, PATH tunnels, barge loading piers, the Pentagon, or Shanksville.
Even indirect roles—such as site security, administrative support, providing supplies, or working with the Medical Examiner’s Office—count toward eligibility.
Covered Health Conditions
The WTC Health Program recognizes and treats a wide range of certified WTC-related health conditions, including:
Mental health conditions: PTSD, anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping
Cancers linked to toxic exposures
Acute traumatic injuries sustained during response work
Many survivors and responders still don’t realize their health issues—persistent cough, runny nose, chronic heartburn, or ongoing anxiety—may be related to their 9/11 exposure.
The program offers treatment through Clinical Centers of Excellence (CCE) in the New York metropolitan area, and for those outside NY, through the Nationwide Provider Network (NPN). Benefits include medical monitoring, prescription coverage, mental health care, and treatment tailored specifically to certified WTC-related conditions.
Why It Matters
The work of the WTC Health Program isn’t just about honoring those who served or survived—it’s about ensuring that no one is left behind in their fight for health. With over 400,000 people estimated to have been affected by 9/11, the program remains a lifeline for many and a reminder that the impact of that day continues.
On this September 11, we honor those we lost, but we also reaffirm our commitment to care for those still living with the health consequences of that day. The WTC Health Program, guided by NIOSH, ensures that the promise made in the aftermath—that we would not forget—continues to be fulfilled.
Call to Action: How to Apply
If you or someone you know may qualify for the World Trade Center Health Program, don’t wait:
Apply online or download an application to begin the process.
Getting connected to the program can provide access to the care, monitoring, and support needed to manage 9/11-related health conditions—and ensure no one faces these challenges alone.
As someone who has spent decades navigating the complexities of asbestos regulations, we recognize that clarity, practicality, and worker protection must be at the core of any regulatory update. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA's) recent proposal to revise certain respirator-related provisions within the asbestos construction standard (29 CFR 1926.1101) attempts that but it’s important for all of us in the industry to carefully evaluate how these changes impact worker protection, especially concerning respirator requirements.
Confusion about the 9/11 type of respirator/filter to wear
Three proposed changes stand out to us as potentially problematic:
1. Removing the HEPA Filter Requirement
For decades, HEPA filters have been the gold standard for respirators, protecting workers from asbestos fibers. The current OSHA standard mandates HEPA filters (P100 filters) on all powered and non-powered air-purifying respirators to ensure maximum filtration efficiency.
OSHA’s proposal to eliminate this specific HEPA filter requirement, citing updated National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) certification standards (42 CFR part 84), raises questions. While newer filter types may meet certification requirements, HEPA filters’ proven reliability and high filtration efficiency have been foundational in asbestos protection.
The risk here is that removing the HEPA filter mandate could lead to the use of less effective filters (N95s) or confusion over filter equivalency, ultimately compromising worker safety. The asbestos hazard is too severe to accept any uncertainty about filter performance.
2. Replacing Supplied-Air Respirators with PAPRs
Current OSHA standards require supplied-air respirators (SARs) operated in pressure-demand mode with an auxiliary positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) backup for exposures exceeding 1 (one) fiber per cubic centimeter (f/cc). The proposed change to this section would replace the specific respirator requirement (SAR/SCBA, with an Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of 1,000) with a requirement to provide a respirator with a minimum APF of 1,000. That would include a full-face Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) and helmet/hood PAPR (having manufacturer test evidence to support an APF of 1,000).
For high-level asbestos exposures, this shift is concerning. Supplied-air respirators provide a higher level of protection against variable airborne fiber concentrations, and the SCBA backup is critical for emergency scenarios. Moving to PAPRs risks lowering the safety margin in situations where asbestos concentrations spike unexpectedly.
Workers wearing PAPRs
3. Replacing PAPRs with Full Facepiece APRs
Another change to the current standard includes providing a tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirator (APF 1,000) or a full facepiece, supplied-air respirator operated in the pressure-demand mode, and equipped with either HEPA egress cartridges or an auxiliary positive-pressure, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) (APF 1,000) for exposure levels at or below 1 f/cc. The proposed change would require employers to provide a respirator that has a minimum of an APF 50. This would allow the use of a full-facepiece air purifying respirator (APR). This is definitely not an increase in protection; it is a significant reduction of protection.
Why These Concerns Matter
Asbestos remains one of the most hazardous occupational exposures, with no safe level of exposure (according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)). Respiratory protection is the last line of defense when engineering and work practice controls cannot fully eliminate airborne fibers.
Standards must err on the side of maximum protection, not convenience or cost savings. Removing the HEPA filter requirement, substituting SARs with PAPRs, and PAPRs for full facepiece APRs for high-exposure Class I asbestos work would reduce protection levels at a time when new asbestos exposures still occur daily, and there are questions about whether the current permissible exposure limit is low enough.
Respirator Protection Types
What Are the Key Changes?
Replacing Specific Respirator Types with APF-Based Selection: Instead of mandating exact respirator models, employers will select respirators that meet or exceed required APFs (e.g., minimum APF of 50 or 1,000, depending on exposure scenarios).
Removing Redundant Provisions: OSHA is proposing to eliminate duplicative language in asbestos standards that overlaps with general respiratory protection requirements, simplifying the rules without adding burdens.
Updating Filter Requirements: The current HEPA filter mandate for air-purifying respirators is being reconsidered because NIOSH’s certification has evolved, allowing other certified particulate filters that offer equivalent protection. The fact is that asbestos is not like any other particulate. Because of the aerodynamics of the fiber and the size of the fibers, which can cause disease. N95s do not provide equivalent protection to a HEPA filter.
Training Requirements Streamlined: OSHA intends to reduce duplicative respirator training provisions, relying more on the general respiratory protection standard’s comprehensive training requirements.
Asbestos Training Class
What Is OSHA Seeking From the Public?
OSHA is actively requesting comments on several points, including:
Concerns about potential decreases in worker safety from these proposed changes.
Alternative approaches to respirator provisions.
The practicality and frequency of employees requesting PAPRs.
Whether removing certain asbestos-specific provisions might lessen protections.
The appropriateness of lifting the prohibition on filtering facepiece respirators.
Employers' experiences with duplicative training requirements.
Final Thoughts
We support OSHA’s goal to update asbestos standards to reflect advances in technology and reduce unnecessary compliance burdens. However, changes to respirator requirements must be grounded in solid evidence and prioritize worker health above all.
OSHA’s proposal is a critical opportunity for industry stakeholders to weigh in. We must ensure that any revisions do not erode decades of hard-earned protection for workers facing asbestos hazards.
If you work with asbestos or manage respiratory protection programs, we urge you to review OSHA’s proposal carefully and submit comments highlighting these concerns before the comment period closes on November 1, 2025.
As we celebrate our country's 249th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, recent events have caused us to spend some time reflecting on 37 years of business, and 43 years in the asbestos industry where we started, what’s changed, and what hasn’t. Back then, we relied on beepers, phone cards, and typewriters to keep the wheels turning. New York City Department of Environmental Protection's (NYCDEP's) "Not an Asbestos Project Form ACP5s" had to be ordered and picked up at NYCDEP and were typed by hand. Manuals were several inches thick, and navigating them required patience—and maybe a magnifying glass. Today, we have digital manuals, searchable PDFs, online filing systems (see our Training Library), smartphones that connect us instantly, and ACP5s that are filed online.
Yet despite all the technology and efficiency, the core of our work hasn’t changed: workers still need respirators, still need to take showers after abatement, still need negative pressure in the containment area, and still need to wet materials to keep dust down. The tools have evolved, but the risks and the protocols remain stubbornly the same. And the biggest constant of all? Asbestos is still here.
Yet here we are, over 40 years later, and we’re still talking about it. Not only has asbestos not been banned, but what we’re now calling a “ban” - specifically, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA's) Part 1 Final Rule on Chrysotile Asbestos - isn’t a ban at all. In addition, the EPA plans to rewrite the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) rule on asbestos, leaving the ban’s status unclear (see Inside EPA).
That phrase—“Certain Conditions of Use”—should tell you everything. This isn’t a ban. It’s a regulation of specific uses. The media clearly needs a dictionary, because, by definition, a ban is to prohibit or forbid by legal means. That’s not what this rule does.
What the EPA has issued is a partial phase-out of chrysotile asbestos—one type of asbestos, in some uses, with long timelines, carveouts, and industry exceptions.
And it says nothing about the other types of asbestos: amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, anthophyllite, or the Libby amphiboles. None of these are addressed.
Asbestos Display Museum of Natural History
Let’s look closer. The rule is 40 pages long (starting on page 21970 of the Federal Register), but the actual regulatory section is? Just five pages long—starting at page 22005. The rule addresses:
Chrysotile asbestos diaphragms in the chlor-alkali industry
Sheet gaskets in chemical production
Oilfield brake blocks and gaskets
Aftermarket automotive brakes and linings
Other vehicle friction products
Interim workplace controls
Disposal
Recordkeeping
Here’s the devil in the details:
As of May 28, 2024, the manufacture and import of chrysotile asbestos for chlor-alkali diaphragms is prohibited.
Use of those diaphragms? Not prohibited until May 28, 2029, and even then, with exceptions that allow use until 2036 at certain facilities.
For sheet gaskets, there’s an exception for titanium dioxide production until May 28, 2029, and for the Savannah River Site until December 31, 2037.
Aftermarket brake parts and gaskets can still be used if already installed, even though we know from studies (including those on auto mechanics) that exposure during repair work is dangerous.
And if that’s not enough to make you question the strength of this so-called “ban,” remember the Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) issued in 2019. That rule allows companies to petition the EPA for permission to resume using asbestos in dozens of legacy products, including:
Roofing felts
Vinyl-asbestos floor tiles
Electrical paper
Sealants and coatings
Beater-add gaskets
Millboard
Adhesives
And more
Think about it: if these materials come back into use, every project involving them will need asbestos inspection and possible abatement. The asbestos abatement industry might never go away—and while that might sound good for business, it’s a horrifying thought for public health.
We find it troubling that while the EPA is creating tighter exposure standards—like their Interim Existing Chemical Exposure Limit (ECEL) of 0.005 f/cc, which is 20 times more protective than the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA's) current limit—they’re simultaneously allowing asbestos to linger in commerce for another decade or more.
In 2021, the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) prepared an expert opinion for the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) on the scientific evaluation of occupational exposure limits for asbestos
Even their respirator guidance underscores the danger. EPA is requiring supplied air respirators for exposure levels that OSHA still considers acceptable. That speaks volumes.
Supplied Airline Respirator
And while the EPA sets these rules, they’re also challenging them. Under pressure from industry, the agency recently filed a motion to reconsider its own chrysotile asbestos rule, which will delay full implementation for at least 30 months. That would be a massive setback.
Linda Reinstein, President and Co-Founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), called it what it is: “a move that puts lives at risk.” Listen to her at Reinstein Notebook “EPA’s Motion & Trump’s Administration Consideration of an Asbestos Ban Reversal”.
Here’s the thing: asbestos kills 40,000 Americans a year. This isn’t just about regulation—it’s about life and death. And that’s why we support ADAO’s fight to pass the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN). This legislation would prohibit the manufacture, processing, use, and distribution of all forms of asbestos in commerce. Period. No loopholes, no exceptions.
We urge you to tell Congress to act. The ADAO has made it easy—use this link to contact your Representatives and Senators and demand a true, complete ban.
The second day of the 2025 Professional Abatement Contractors of New York(PACNY) 28th Annual Environmental Conference at Turning Stone Resort and Casino built on the momentum of Day One, delivering another impressive lineup of speakers, powerful insights, and meaningful conversations that underscored the challenges — and opportunities — in our industry.
Russell Vent Introducing New Members of PACNY
The morning opened with a “PACNY – State of the Union” address delivered by PACNY President Kevin Hutton and Vice President Russell C. Vent. Their presentation outlined the association’s accomplishments over the past year, current legislative concerns, and PACNY’s continued commitment to environmental and worker safety advocacy. Their remarks reinforced PACNY’s role as a vital voice for our industry, especially in times of shifting regulatory landscapes.
BJ Fungaroli makes several points about why the Asbestos Industry has 125+ years
Next up was our Keynote Speaker, BJ Fungaroli, President/CEO of Environmental Holdings Group, LLC, who gave a compelling presentation on “The State of the Asbestos Industry.” BJ didn’t hold back — and he didn’t sugarcoat things either. According to him, the asbestos industry isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, BJ emphasized that we’re looking at another 125+ years of work, oversight, and regulation, due to the enormous volume of asbestos still present in our building stock and infrastructure. His presentation was a stark reminder of the long-term responsibility that asbestos professionals must continue to shoulder.
BJ Fungaroli discussing automation of the Asbestos Industry
Following BJ’s keynote, Linda Reinstein, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, and Brent Kynoch, Environmental Information Association presented “The State of the Asbestos Ban.” Their presentation clarified where things currently stand with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) risk evaluation process. While we’ve seen progress with Part 1: Chrysotile asbestos, the bigger challenge lies ahead with Part 2: The Supplemental Evaluation, which will include legacy uses and associated disposal of asbestos-containing materials. This upcoming phase could have far-reaching implications for how asbestos is regulated and managed across the U.S. Because of EPA's footdragging regarding banning all forms of asbestos it is even more important to support the passage of Bicameral Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (S.1069 and H.R. 2402). Linda and Brent’s message was clear: the fight isn’t over, and active industry participation in public comment and advocacy will be critical in shaping the future of asbestos regulation.
Brent Kynoch and Linda Reinstein speaking on the Asbestos Ban
After the morning session, attendees enjoyed a coffee break in the Exhibit Hall, which was buzzing with conversations, new product demos, and vendor networking.
NYS Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Presentation and Roundtable Q&A
We returned to the main conference room for one of the most anticipated segments of the day — the NYS Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Presentation and Roundtable Q&A. This session featured:
A look at NYSDOL’spilot use of drone technology to enhance enforcement and inspection efforts
Clarification on licensing, enforcement priorities, and the department’s approach to fielding variance requests
The roundtable format offered attendees a unique opportunity to engage directly with the regulators shaping policy on the ground — and the PACNY audience took full advantage of it. The conversation was lively, informative, and — at times — refreshingly candid.
NYSDOL sent their enforcement staff to attend the conference and meet attendees
The day concluded with a networking lunch, giving attendees one last chance to connect, reflect on the conference’s content, and strengthen professional relationships. It was the perfect cap to two days filled with insight, energy, and community.
Tony Rich & Linda Reinstein visited our booth in the Exhibit Hall!
As always, PACNY continues to deliver high-quality education and real-world dialogue that keeps our industry informed and engaged. Whether it’s regulatory shifts, the future of asbestos management, or technological innovations, this year’s conference reminded us that our work is far from done — and that it’s going to take all of us to move it forward.
Today, April 28, marks the anniversary of the day NIOSH first opened its doors in 1971, following the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Congress created NIOSH — the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health — to "assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions."
Types of Respirators
For more than half a century, NIOSH has stood as a cornerstone of worker protection. Its research has helped shape critical safety standards for asbestos, silica, lead, heat stress, mental health, and countless other hazards across industries. From construction sites to healthcare settings, from manufacturing floors to environmental consulting offices, NIOSH’s work has been integral to safeguarding the health and lives of American workers.
But this year’s celebration is bittersweet — and frankly, alarming.
In a stunning and deeply concerning move, mass layoffs have gutted key NIOSH research and education programs. Overnight, the agency’s capacity to investigate workplace hazards, develop scientific guidelines, and educate the next generation of safety professionals has been drastically reduced.
The consequences of this cannot be overstated. Without NIOSH’s leadership:
Standards for silica, a deadly airborne hazard linked to silicosis and lung cancer, are now at risk of stagnating.
Protections against lead exposure, which affects the brain and nervous system, could weaken.
Efforts to address heat-related illness, a growing crisis as climate change intensifies, are left vulnerable.
Momentum around mental health in the workplace, a long-ignored pillar of occupational safety, may lose critical support just when it's finally gaining ground.
Occupational safety and health cannot afford to stand still — and it certainly cannot afford to move backward. Every advance we’ve made — every reduced injury rate, every improved standard, every saved life — was built on a foundation of science, research, and proactive leadership. Without a strong, fully functioning NIOSH, that foundation starts to crack.
Thankfully, the fight to #SaveNIOSH is growing stronger by the day.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) are actively advocating through letters, partnerships, and a public #SaveNIOSH campaign. Workers, safety professionals, and the general public are encouraged to use the Voter Voice system to contact legislators, share their support on social media, and help safeguard worker protections that are critical to U.S. health, safety, and economic well-being.
A coalition of 460 organizations is urging Congress to stop the planned layoffs at NIOSH, warning that cutting more than 870 employees would cripple efforts to protect the health and safety of 164 million U.S. workers. These cuts — part of a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) restructuring set to take effect by June 30 — would devastate critical programs like the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, providing info on Firefighter research, services, and health and safety information, and Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program and other such initiatives.
NYC FireFighter
The coalition emphasizes that NIOSH provides the nation’s only dedicated federal research on preventing workplace injuries and illnesses — losses that cost the U.S. economy more than $250 billion annually.
Lawmakers, including Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), are demanding hearings and greater transparency, arguing that gutting NIOSH would not only endanger workers but also undermine decades of public health progress and weaken evidence-based solutions that have saved countless lives.
Protecting NIOSH is not just about preserving an institution — it's about maintaining a safer, healthier workforce and a stronger economy. It’s about continuing the work that has made American workplaces among the safest in the world.
As we mark this important milestone, let’s honor NIOSH’s legacy — not just with words, but with action. Speak up. Get involved. Fight for the future of occupational health and safety.
The Professional Abatement Contractors of New York's (PACNY's) 28th Annual Environmental Conference started with an action-packed first day (February 28th, 2025) at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York, setting the stage for a dynamic exchange of ideas, regulatory updates, and thought leadership. Attendees were treated to a robust lineup of expert speakers covering various critical topics, from asbestos and lead regulations to safety leadership and mental health in the workplace.
Frank Ehrenfeld (at the podium) and Tom Laubenthal speaking on the EPA Lead Rule
The morning session began with side-by-side presentations with Frank Ehrenfield, from Eurofins, and Tom Laubenthal, from TGL Consulting, Inc., delivering an essential update on "The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Rule Update from November 2024" in the Mohawk room. Their presentation discussed the EPA's November 2024, published new Lead-Based Paint rules regarding various definitions, dust levels for risk determination, and “clearance” values (which are now called “action levels”). Once again, these values will be lowered to further lower risks to children in pre-1978 target housing and child-occupied facilities. The new dust values are very low to “at reporting limits” (similar to a detection limit for simplicity), and the presentation also described in terms of the difficulties that may exist for some National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program (NLLAP)-accredited labs, in meeting reporting limits. All stakeholders must read these regulations to understand the details and various applicability dates (see Lead and Environmental Hazards Association (LEHA) fact sheet). While in the Cayuga room, Mary Parish, Principal Worker's Compensation Examiner in the office of the Advocate for Business, presented “Protecting Yourself and Your Team,” shifting the focus to workers' compensation and the legal framework protecting both employers and workers. A key point from her talk was a reminder to make sure you are a certificate holder on your subcontractor's workmen's compensation insurance.
Mary Parish speaking about NYS Workmen's Compensation
The next speakers in the Mohawk Room, David Duford, from CanAm Environmental Safety, Inc., and Ryan Carney, from Wegmans Food Markets, took the stage to present "Managing Exposure Decisions and Improving Exposure Judgements," diving into practical strategies for assessing and managing workplace hazards. Their discussion highlighted the importance of accurate exposure judgments in protecting workers from hazardous environments utilizing Bayesian Statistics. Meanwhile, in the Cayuga Room, Anthony DiTucci, of Livingston Associates, continued the theme of leadership with "Safety Leadership in Project Management." He delivered a compelling case for strong safety leadership as a cornerstone of effective project management, underscoring the need for safety-first cultures in construction and abatement projects.
Anthony DiTucci in the Cayuga room, Ryan Carney (at the Podium), and Dr. David Duford in the Mohawk room
After a small break in the Vendor Exhibition Hall, Dr. Joe Spurgeon, CIH, followed in the Mohawk room with a targeted presentation, “Write a Mold Assessment Report, Not a Data Report,” emphasizing the need for clear, actionable mold assessment reports. Spurgeon challenged attendees to move beyond merely collecting data and focus on producing comprehensive reports that drive decision-making. Zooming into the Cayuga Room, Dr. Barry Castleman delivered a hard-hitting presentation on the "Saranac Laboratory Coverups for the Asbestos Industry," revealing the historical injustices faced by asbestos victims and how industry efforts were made to downplay the dangers of asbestos exposure.
Joe Spurgeon in the Mohawk room and Barry Castleman zooming in the Cayuga room,
Closing out the morning session in Mohawk room was Steven Smigielski and Sean Fitzgerald, of Encorus Group, who addressed another timely issue in their talk, "Impact of New York State's Building and Energy Code Revisions on Hazardous Material Abatement." They examined how these revisions are shaping hazardous materials management and abatement strategies, giving attendees practical insights into compliance and operational adjustments. Closing the morning session in the Cayuga Room, Megan Beaushemin, of New York State Department of Labor, provided a vital introduction to "NYS Code Rule 59 & 60," offering a comprehensive overview of these key regulations and how they impact worker safety practices and workers' compensation insurance.
Steven Smigielski and Sean Fitzgerald in the Mohawk room, and Megan Beauchemin in the Cayuga room
After a networking lunch, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Asbestos Inspections Panel moderated by Angelo Garcia, III, of Future Environment Designs, Inc. This distinguished panel, titled "Asbestos Inspections: EPA, OSHA, NYSDOL, NYCDEP & ASTM. Different Requirements and Goals," brought together leading experts to explore the varying requirements and objectives in asbestos inspections. Tom Laubenthal, of TGL Consulting, Inc., led the discussion with a focus on the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) E2356 standard, offering a technical perspective. Chris Alonge, of the Dormitory Authority of New York (DASNY), presented the building owner's perspective, diving into the importance of thorough inspections to protect occupants and workers. Mr. Alonge shared some of the resources DASNY (click here for the DASNY resource page) provides to environmental consultants and contractors working for DASNY. Marc Rutstein, of Environmental Consulting and Management Services, Inc., shared his insights as a consultant, highlighting the regulatory challenges in NYCDEP and NYSDOL compliance. Finally, Matthew Brooks, of International Asbestos Removal, Inc., wrapped up with a contractor’s view, emphasizing the real-world application and costs of when inspectors don't follow these standards on job sites. The panel then had a discussion regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Varga Letter regarding materials containing one percent or less of asbestos and how those materials should be handled.
Front Row - Tom Laubenthal & Matthew Brooks Back Row - Chris Alonge, Marc Rutstein, & Angelo Garcia, III
The afternoon continued with Peter DeLucia, of Riedman Companies, and Mark Wiktorski, of Wonder Windows Showers and Baths, tackling an important but often overlooked topic—mental health. Their presentation, “Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health as a Critical Component of Workplace Safety,” emphasized how breaking the stigma attached to mental health issues is important to maintaining a safe, productive work environment. An important website that promotes mental wellbeing in the workplace from the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention.
Mark Wiktorski & Peter Delucia (at the Podium)
Kevin Hutton, of EAST Centers of NY, rounded out the day with a much-anticipated session on "2024 TOP DOL Violations." His presentation gave attendees a close look at the year’s top safety violations, offering key takeaways for improving compliance and reducing risks in the workplace.
Kevin Hutton
The day concluded with a lively happy hour in the exhibition hall, where a record 31 exhibitors were on hand, showcasing the latest products and services in the industry. It was a fitting end to a day full of rich learning and networking opportunities, giving attendees a chance to connect and unwind after a full day of presentations.
As the conference continues (Day 2 was Friday, February 28, 2025; look out for Part Two), the knowledge and insights shared on day one have already set a high bar for the discussions to come. Whether you're looking to stay ahead of regulatory changes or enhance your leadership in safety practices, PACNY's Environmental Conference is the place to be.
Always thankful for Sheryl Esposito's (and Matt Desch) presence managing the booth!
