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.
Search This Blog
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Problems With 9/11 Health Bill
Their has been alot of discussion regarding the 9/11 health bill (known as the Zadroga Bill) that was supposed to provide medical care for first responders exposed to the various hazards at the World Trade Center site. However, the bill did not cover cancer treatments. The commission running the fund, has had hearings on this issue and have stated they will look at cancer treatments once the science indicates a link between the 9/11 exposure and cancer. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, as they usually do, makes us see the ridiculousness of this position. We hope with a recent study by Lancet, "Early assessment of cancer outcomes in New York City firefighters after 9/11 attacks: an observational cohort study", indicating a modest excess of cancer cases among NYC firefighters exposed at 9/11, that the commission will consider covering cancer medical care. This is the least the federal government could do for the first responders, considering the misleading information given to these individuals during their time at the site.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Future Environment Designs Sponsors Health Effects of Mold Exposure Video
Future Environment Designs is proud to sponsor a new informational video on the Health Effects of Mold Exposure. This video is designed as a public service awareness video on the health effects of mold exposure.
Related articles
- Mold Exposure Has Greater Impact on Infants (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Future Environment Designs sponsors Bacillus anthracis and Anthrax Video (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- EPA Issues Press Release On Reducing Asthma Attacks During Summer (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- What kinds of health problems can mold cause? (zocdoc.com)
Friday, September 09, 2011
Chemical Accidents Sickens 54 in Bohemia, NY
Image via Wikipedia
Just before the Hurricane, the above headline was in Newsday, on August 19, 2011, regarding a chemical accident where two cleaning chemicals were accidently mixed causing 54 workers to become ill and requiring some of them to be hospitalized. Workers were treated for symptoms including convulsions, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting. Unfortunately, the report does not discuss the specific chemicals that were mixed. It does mention that the company was using a new chemical for cleaning and did not fully purge the old cleaning chemical out of the system.This incident highlights the importance of providing training to staff when a new chemical is added to the facility. This will ensure the hazards of the new chemical will be understood and any problems that may occur with mixing chemicals are fully understood. The most important part of this training is the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The MSDS is created by the manufacturer to warn the users of its chemicals about the dangers of the chemical, the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed, first aid necessary if exposed, the path of exposure, and other important information. The training on the new chemical should be on the specifics of handling the chemical including any PPE needing to be used when using the chemical, the first aid procedures should an exposure occur, proper storing of the chemical, and any other chemicals that should be avoided or prevented from coming into contact with the new chemical. Maybe if this training was done the individuals responsible for purging the system would have been more cautious.
Related articles
- NY cellphone workers sickened in cleaner mishap (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
- Chlorine Leak Sickens 20 at Sacramento Water Park (shoppingblog.com)
- Fumes at McDonald's leave 2 unconscious, sicken 9 (ajc.com)
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Future Environment Designs Sponsors Vapor Intrusion Video
Future Environment Designs is proud to sponsor this informational video on vapor intrusion. This video is designed as a public service awareness video on the dangers and concerns regarding vapor intrusion. We hope this video is helpful and informative.
Related articles
- Future Environment Designs sponsors Bacillus anthracis and Anthrax Video (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Schools Required to Manage Asbestos
Image via WikipediaUnder the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) regulation all public and private schools (with a few exceptions) were required in 1989 to develop management plans for managing the asbestos installed in their buildings. The AHERA regulation required the schools to update these asbestos management plans every three years. This management plan requirement included notifying workers and building occupants, or their legal guardians, at least once each school year about inspections, response actions, and post-response action activities, including periodic reinspection and surveillance activities that are planned or in progress. Such notification must be done in writing and a copy placed in the management plan. Suggested notification methods may be through the publication of an article in a school district newsletter or through a separate written notice distributed to staff and sent home to a student's parent or legal guardian. Since a new school year is upon us, it is important to remember what is required in this notification. The New York State Education Department - Facilities Planning website has a Annual AHERA Notification section discussing what is required.
In addition, schools are required to make the management plans available for inspection to representatives of EPA and the State, the public, including parents, teachers, and other school personnel within 5 working days after receiving a request for the inspection. The local education agency (LEA) is also required to notify in writing parent, teacher, and employee organizations of the availability of management plans and shall include in the management plan a description of steps to notify such organizations, and a dated copy of the notification. In the absence of any such organizations for parents, teachers, or employees, the local education agency shall provide written notice to that relevant group of the availability of management plans and shall include in the management plan a description of the steps taken to notify such groups and a dated copy of the notification. The LEA asbestos designee for the school district is to oversee that these AHERA required notifications occur each school year. The school may determine when to do AHERA notification, as long as it occurs at least once each school year.
Enforcement of this requirement is done by the EPA's Region II office. They have been very active inspecting New York State schools for compliance with AHERA (in addition, New York State Deaprtment of Health, had received a grant from EPA to perform these inspections on their behalf). Schools which lack required elements in the AHERA management plan, including the notification documentation outlined above, will be issued an EPA Notice of Noncompliance. Subsequently, the school has thirty days from the Notice date to correct the violations. Schools which do not comply with the Notice within thirty days are subject to additional EPA enforcement action, which may result in civil or criminal penalties.
Related articles
- NYS Education Department Issues Clarification on Asbestos Material Testing (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- NYS Senate Considering Asbestos Notification Fee Changes (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Asbestos Found At Plattsburgh, NY Site (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- ADAO to Livestream the film "Breathtaking" (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
ADAO to Livestream the film “Breathtaking”
Image via Wikipedia
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) recognizing the global and negative impact of the Canadian asbestos industry, has partnered with Ontario filmaker Kathleen Mullen, the directer of Breathtaking, to hold a first-ever, international livestreaming of Breathtaking on September 26th, 2011 at 6:30 pm EST from the ADAO website. The 45 minute screening will begin with a short introduction from Mullen and conclude with a fifteen minute question and answer session via Twitter with the filmmaker and ADAO President and Co-Founder, Linda Reinstein.Breathtaking addresses the asbestos industry through a moving and personal investigation into the death of Mullen’s father, and the baffling present-day use, pubic mining, and incessant export of asbestos in spite of decades of scientific evidence that asbestos kills people. Commercially mined since the Industrial Revolution, asbestos was nicknamed the ‘magic mineral’ for its fabric-like, and fire retardant properties and has been used in everything from brake pads to oven mitts. Although it has been discovered to be carcinogenic, and asbestos use has been banned in many countries and limited in others. However, Canada, Russia and several other countries, still mine asbestos and export it for use in developing nations.
Related articles
- Canada Blocks Asbestos's Placement on UN's List of Hazardous Substances (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Doctors ask doctor-MP to stop Canadian asbestos exports (canada.com)
- When did people find out that asbestos caused mesothelioma (wiki.answers.com)
- NYS Education Department Issues Clarification on Asbestos Material Testing (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Thursday, August 25, 2011
CDC Hurricane Website Has Helpful Hints
Image via Wikipedia
As the east coast prepares for Hurricane Irene, it is important to remember that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has a Hurricane Helpful Hints website. The current topic is "What You Need to Know When the Power Goes Out Unexpectedly." This topic covers food safety, safe drinking water, extreme heat or cold, first aid for electrical shock, powerline hazards and cars, avoid carbon monoxide, safety at work during power recovery, be prepared for an emergency, and the impact of power outage on vaccine storage. If your looking for a list of emergency supplies you should have on hand, the CDC and Red Cross put together a list at the CDC website for Emergency Preparedness and Response - Get a Kit. From that website is the following list of items you should assemble:
- Water—one gallon per person, per day (3day supply for evacuation, 2week supply for home)
- Food—nonperishable, easytoprepare items (3day supply for evacuation, 2week supply for home)
- Flashlight
- Batterypowered or handcrank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7day supply) and medical items
- Multipurpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
Related articles
- CDC Providing Resourses for Hurricane Preparedness (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Hurricane Irene Batters Smaller Islands Of Bahamas (huffingtonpost.com)
- How to prepare for a hurricane (news.blogs.cnn.com)
- Bloomberg to NYers: Plan ahead for Hurricane Irene (sfgate.com)
- Staying Ahead Of The Storm: What You Need To Know If Severe Weather Hits (newyork.cbslocal.com)
- OSHA's Tornado Preparedness & Response (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- If a Natural Disaster Occurred, Are You Ready to Help?" (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Future Environment Designs Sponsors Sewage Contamination Danger Video
Image via Wikipedia
Future Environment Designs is proud to sponsor a new informational video on Sewage Contamination Dangers. This video is designed as a public service awareness video on the dangers of sewage contamination.Related articles
- EPA Explains NYC's Serious Problem With Its Combined Sewage System (treehugger.com)
- Hudson Sewage Rattles Purveyors (green.blogs.nytimes.com)
- Fix sewage overflow, fishermen tell council (cbc.ca)
- OSHA Updates Indoor Air Quality Guide (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Landlord in court for raw sewage in apartment (ajc.com)
- Sewage closes shellfishery again (cbc.ca)
- Future Environment Designs Sponsors Public Outreach Lead Video (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Future Environment Designs sponsors Bacillus anthracis and Anthrax Video (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
OSHA Focuses on Tortilla Companies
Image via WikipediaThe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Tortilleria Chinantla factory in Brooklyn (a tortilla company) for violations carrying fines totaling over $62,000 after an investigation into the death of a worker, Juan Baten, a 22-year-old Guatemalan immigrant who was married and had a 7-month-old daughter, who fell into an industrial mixing machine at its factory. The death occurred Jan. 24. The most serious violation involved the failure of Tortilleria Chinantla to install a guard barrier on the mixer to prevent employees from coming into contact with its fast-moving machinery. The infraction was classified as “willful,” the most severe category of violation issued by OSHA, and carries a penalty of $42,000. The company was also cited for seven other violations, six of which are labeled “serious.” Among those was the lack of a program to prevent the unintended start-up of machinery.
OSHA also said that after the death of Mr. Baten, investigators inspected the factories of two other Brooklyn tortilla makers and issued a total of 26 violations to those companies. One, Buena Vista Tortillas Corporation, was cited with having 14 violations, 13 of them deemed “serious,” carrying $39,000 in fines. The other, La Tortilleria Mexicana Los Tres Hermanos Corporation, was cited with having 12 serious violations carrying a total of $33,600 in fines.
Related articles
Related articles
- Michele Dufault Death: OSHA Finds Safety Gaps In Yale Lab (huffingtonpost.com)
- Sayreville company cited for 2 safety violations after worker's finger is amputated (nj.com)
- OSHA cites Mantua business, seeks $41,580 in fines (nj.com)
- Did Unsafe Machine Contribute to Yale Student's Death? (news.sciencemag.org)
- Bookmark Explaining Young Workers' Rights Available for Ordering (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Asbestos Found At Plattsburgh, NY Site
An article titled "Asbestos Found At Nikki's Site; Tear Down Can Start" in the Press Republican Newspaper on August 9, 2011 discusses the condemned bar and rooming house at the corner of Main and Academy streets that partially collapsed on July 25 and damaged the adjacent property, known as the Faubert Building in Plattsburgh, New York. Testing confirmed that the debris from the collapse of Nikki's Place contains asbestos.
According to the article, Dilshad Perera, on-site coordinator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said that as soon as the estimated funding needed for the cleanup is in place, a certified asbestos-abatement contractor can be hired to safely haul the material away.
We assume this project is using the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Industrial Code Rule 56 section on controlled demolition with asbestos in place. Though it does surprise me that the EPA is on-site versus NYSDOL.
According to the article, Dilshad Perera, on-site coordinator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said that as soon as the estimated funding needed for the cleanup is in place, a certified asbestos-abatement contractor can be hired to safely haul the material away.
We assume this project is using the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Industrial Code Rule 56 section on controlled demolition with asbestos in place. Though it does surprise me that the EPA is on-site versus NYSDOL.
Related articles
- NYS Senate Considering Asbestos Notification Fee Changes (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- NYSDOL Asbestos Inspector Indicted in Kensington Towers Probe (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Disposal Company Charged With Illegal Dumping Of Asbestos (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Canada Blocks Asbestos's Placement on UN's List of Hazardous Substances (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Flooding Devastating Upstate New York, Vermont, & Quebec, Too (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Did You Know? (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Monday, August 15, 2011
Future Environment Designs Sponsors Mycobacterium tuberculosis: TB Video.
Image by Microbe World via FlickrFuture Environment Designs is proud to sponsor a new informational video on Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This video is designed as a public service awareness video on the topic of Tuberculosis (TB) which is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Related articles
- New WHO guidelines call for more evidence on drug-resistant TB (eurekalert.org)
- Scientists explain unique activity of TB drug pyrazinamide (eurekalert.org)
- Many TB Tests Lead To Misdiagnoses, Warns World Health Organization (meridiannurse.wordpress.com)
- Weekly Dose Post: Tuberculosis (nursingadream.wordpress.com)
- Future Environment Designs sponsors Bacillus anthracis and Anthrax Video (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- March 24th was world TB day (jepoirrier.org)
Friday, August 12, 2011
White House and EPA Misled Public on Air Quality After 9/11 Attack.
Image by Getty Images via @daylifeBased on a New York Times article "Public Misled on Air Quality After 9/11 Attack, Judge Says" - Federal judge Deborah A. Batts of Federal District Court in Manhattan, found that Christine Whitman, when she led the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), made "misleading statements of safety" about the air quality near the World Trade Center in the days after the Sept. 11 attack. These statements may have put the public in danger. This pointed criticism of Mrs. Whitman came in a ruling by the judge in a 2004 class action lawsuit on behalf of residents and schoolchildren from downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn who say they were exposed to air contamination inside buildings near the trade center. The suit, against Mrs. Whitman, other former and current EPA officials and the agency itself, charges that they failed to warn people of dangerous materials in the air and then failed to carry out an adequate cleanup. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages and want the judge to order a thorough cleaning. In her ruling, Judge Batts decided not to dismiss the case against Mrs. Whitman, who is being sued both as former administrator of the EPA and as an individual.
In a separate but similar article by CBS News titled "W. House Molded EPA's 9/11 Reports", the EPA's internal watchdog found that the White House influenced the statements released by the EPA and that the data did not support the statements that were released. Making the 9/11 tragedy even deeper considering the amount of harm we did to ourselves by these actions.
In a separate but similar article by CBS News titled "W. House Molded EPA's 9/11 Reports", the EPA's internal watchdog found that the White House influenced the statements released by the EPA and that the data did not support the statements that were released. Making the 9/11 tragedy even deeper considering the amount of harm we did to ourselves by these actions.
Related articles
- Federal Court Asked to Order Deadline for Action on Smog Standards (yubanet.com)
- Former Pres. George W. Bush to be in NYC to mark 10th anniversary of 9/11 attacks (nj.com)
- US Concerned Over 9/11 Anniversary Attacks (israelnationalnews.com)
- Firefighters will fetch World Trade Center beam for 9/11 memorial in Federal Way (pnwlocalnews.com)
- New World Trade Center Now Officially Tallest Building In Lower Manhattan (newyork.cbslocal.com)
- US EPA releases scientific integrity policy (blogs.nature.com)
- Don't Blame EPA for What the Clean Air Act Requires (volokh.com)
- E.P.A. Chief Stands Firm as Tough Rules Loom (nytimes.com)
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Mold Exposure Has Greater Impact on Infants
Image by yori kato via FlickrA new study published in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology has shown that mold exposure has much greater impact in infants during their formative years. The article on this study was published online at the Environmental News Network. For certain individuals, the inhalation of mold can be extremely hazardous for the lungs, respiratory system, and overall well-being. Some people are more susceptible than others to the symptoms caused by airborne mold, but it is generally accepted that mold exposure is unhealthy for all. The new study found that infants living in moldy homes are much more likely to develop asthma by age 7.
"Early life exposure to mold seems to play a critical role in childhood asthma development," says Tina Reponen, PhD, lead study author and University of Cincinnati (UC) professor of environmental health. "Genetic factors are also important to consider in asthma risk, since infants whose parents have an allergy or asthma are at the greatest risk of developing asthma."
Mold growth is linked to environments with elevated levels of moisture. For example, basements are a common spot for mold because of underground moisture, periodic flooding from storms, and lack of air flow. Mold will start growing on surfaces like drywall, concrete, plywood, and other building materials. Microscopic spores can then be released into the air and find their way into the lungs. Once in the body, the spores can cause fungal infections, allergic reactions, irritation of the eye, nose, and throat, etc. Long-term effects include serious respiratory infections like asthma or bronchitis.
The recent study, conducted by researchers from UC and Cincinnati Children's Hospital, utilized seven years of comprehensive data for 176 children. The data was used to evaluate the effects of mold exposure from early life. The analysis took into account the likelihood of developing allergies based on family medical history.
The children in the study came from a much larger study in the Cincinnati area. The 176 children selected come from homes which contained mold. Mold was measured in the their homes using an EPA method known as environmental relative moldiness index (ERMI). In this method, mold exposure levels are measured using a DNA-based analysis tool which combines the analysis of 36 different mold types into a single index. Link to published article: http://www.annallergy.org/article/S1081-1206%2811%2900313-9/abstract
"Early life exposure to mold seems to play a critical role in childhood asthma development," says Tina Reponen, PhD, lead study author and University of Cincinnati (UC) professor of environmental health. "Genetic factors are also important to consider in asthma risk, since infants whose parents have an allergy or asthma are at the greatest risk of developing asthma."
Mold growth is linked to environments with elevated levels of moisture. For example, basements are a common spot for mold because of underground moisture, periodic flooding from storms, and lack of air flow. Mold will start growing on surfaces like drywall, concrete, plywood, and other building materials. Microscopic spores can then be released into the air and find their way into the lungs. Once in the body, the spores can cause fungal infections, allergic reactions, irritation of the eye, nose, and throat, etc. Long-term effects include serious respiratory infections like asthma or bronchitis.
The recent study, conducted by researchers from UC and Cincinnati Children's Hospital, utilized seven years of comprehensive data for 176 children. The data was used to evaluate the effects of mold exposure from early life. The analysis took into account the likelihood of developing allergies based on family medical history.
The children in the study came from a much larger study in the Cincinnati area. The 176 children selected come from homes which contained mold. Mold was measured in the their homes using an EPA method known as environmental relative moldiness index (ERMI). In this method, mold exposure levels are measured using a DNA-based analysis tool which combines the analysis of 36 different mold types into a single index. Link to published article: http://www.annallergy.org/article/S1081-1206%2811%2900313-9/abstract
Related articles
- Mold Exposure in Infancy Raises Asthma Risk (webmd.com)
- Household Mold During Infancy May Trigger Asthma (nlm.nih.gov)
- EPA Issues Press Release On Reducing Asthma Attacks During Summer (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Antibiotic Use May Be Linked to Kids' Asthma Risk (webmd.com)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Rudy Giuliani and Air Quality After 9/11: Part 1 & Part 2
Image via WikipediaAfter listening and reading this newscast I found it interesting how everyone is pointing at the federal government experts (Giuliani, Cohen, etc.), as the reason why the first responders were allowed to expose themselves to the asbestos and other hazardous materials on the site. A very interesting two part, newscast by WNYC titled Rudy Giuliani and Air Quality After 9/11: Part 1 & Part 2. The 9/11 cleanup was a huge failure on the part of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Especially, OSHA who should've been on the site making sure workers were wearing respirators and wearing them properly. OSHA crowed about 0 injuries at the site after the cleanups were done. Where are they now, that we know that some 20,000 workers at the site are ill from their exposure to the contaminants at 9/11?
Related articles
- CMM Realty Alleged to Have Violated OSH Act and Clean Air Act (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- OSHA at 40 (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- OSHA Announces Three-month Enforcement Phase-in for Residential Construction Fall Protection (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
NYSDOL Asbestos Inspector Indicted in Kensington Towers Probe
Thank you to Darren Yehl of Cornerstone Training for bringing this indictment to my attention:
A state inspector and two City of Buffalo inspectors are among nine individuals and two companies indicted Thursday on felony charges related to an asbestos removal project in the city. The 23-count federal indictment also charges six of the contractors' employees with improperly removing and disposing of asbestos at the Kensington Heights housing project on Fillmore Avenue. Federal and state officials would not confirm the likelihood that workers or neighborhood residents were put at risk during the asbestos removal, but they would not rule it out either.
"These are very serious charges," U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. told reporters. "Asbestos is a highly dangerous substance."
The charges outlined in the 62-page indictment center around the work done by two companies -- Johnson Contracting of Buffalo and JMD Environmental Inc. of Grand island -- and the allegations that they violated the federal Clean Air Act by improperly disposing of asbestos. The indictment also charges a state Labor Department inspector, Theodore Lehmann, and two city inspectors, Donald Grzebielucha and William Manuszewski, with falsifying inspection reports.
"They certified false documents or lied about what they saw," Hochul said.
Prosecutors said one of the inspectors has reportedly retired but two others remain on the job. State and city officials declined to comment, and Lehmann, Grzebielucha and Manuszewski could not be reached to comment. When asked if bribes were involved, Hochul said his office has yet to uncover any evidence of payoffs.
"At this point, I can't comment on the motive," he said of the inspectors.
Most of the indictment focuses on the work of the two companies hired to remove and dispose of asbestos at Kensington Heights. Visible from the Kensington Expressway, the 17-acre public housing project has been a symbol of decay and abandonment for three decades. The complex, made up of six vacant towers behind Erie County Medical Center, is owned by the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority and was targeted for demolition two years ago. Tearing down the eight-story towers is the first step in the Housing Authority's proposal for a new $105 million retirement community.
As part of the demolition, Johnson Contracting was hired to remove and dispose of the estimated 63,000 square feet of asbestos in each of the towers. JMD was hired to monitor their work. The indictment alleges that from June 2009 to January 2010, Johnson and two of its managers -- President Ernest Johnson and Supervisor Rai Johnson -- instructed workers to dump asbestos down holes cut through the floors of each building. They also are charged with failing to wet the asbestos and leaving it in open containers for disposal.
Aaron Mango, the assistant U.S. attorney overseeing the case, said Johnson's practices violated a wide range of regulations regarding the disposal of asbestos.
"It is so dangerous," Mango said, "you have to insure you're taking these steps."
The indictment also alleges that JMD, the company hired to monitor Johnson's work, conspired to violate the Clean Air Act. The company was hired to conduct air sampling tests and other oversight work but, according to prosecutors, failed to do those tests properly. The government also claims JMD falsified inspection reports. The indictment also charges four of JMD's employees: Field Supervisor Evan Harnden of North Tonawanda and Project Monitors Henry Hawkins of Buffalo, Chris Coseglia of Niagara Falls and Brian Scott of North Tonawanda.
Each of the 23 counts carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.
"Asbestos is a known carcinogen and we take very seriously these investigations," said David G. McLeod Jr., assistant special agent in charge of the Criminal Investigative Division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
According to the EPA, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung disease, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. State and federal officials would not speculate on the public health risks posed by the asbestos-removal effort at Kensington Heights. They did acknowledge, however, that given the companies' alleged practices and the six-month period in which the alleged violations took place, it is possible the public was put at risk.
"There are plenty of good reasons why the (Clean Air Act) is on the books," Hochul said.
Prosecutors said the indictment is the culmination of an investigation involving a wide range of state and federal agencies, including the FBI, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Work on Kensington Heights stalled last year and prompted the Housing Authority to terminate its demolition contract with developer Hormoz Mansouri in January. Mansouri countered by suing the authority for breach of contract. Federal officials said Mansouri, a politically connected contractor, is not accused of any wrongdoing.
A state inspector and two City of Buffalo inspectors are among nine individuals and two companies indicted Thursday on felony charges related to an asbestos removal project in the city. The 23-count federal indictment also charges six of the contractors' employees with improperly removing and disposing of asbestos at the Kensington Heights housing project on Fillmore Avenue. Federal and state officials would not confirm the likelihood that workers or neighborhood residents were put at risk during the asbestos removal, but they would not rule it out either.
"These are very serious charges," U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. told reporters. "Asbestos is a highly dangerous substance."
The charges outlined in the 62-page indictment center around the work done by two companies -- Johnson Contracting of Buffalo and JMD Environmental Inc. of Grand island -- and the allegations that they violated the federal Clean Air Act by improperly disposing of asbestos. The indictment also charges a state Labor Department inspector, Theodore Lehmann, and two city inspectors, Donald Grzebielucha and William Manuszewski, with falsifying inspection reports.
"They certified false documents or lied about what they saw," Hochul said.
Prosecutors said one of the inspectors has reportedly retired but two others remain on the job. State and city officials declined to comment, and Lehmann, Grzebielucha and Manuszewski could not be reached to comment. When asked if bribes were involved, Hochul said his office has yet to uncover any evidence of payoffs.
"At this point, I can't comment on the motive," he said of the inspectors.
Most of the indictment focuses on the work of the two companies hired to remove and dispose of asbestos at Kensington Heights. Visible from the Kensington Expressway, the 17-acre public housing project has been a symbol of decay and abandonment for three decades. The complex, made up of six vacant towers behind Erie County Medical Center, is owned by the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority and was targeted for demolition two years ago. Tearing down the eight-story towers is the first step in the Housing Authority's proposal for a new $105 million retirement community.
As part of the demolition, Johnson Contracting was hired to remove and dispose of the estimated 63,000 square feet of asbestos in each of the towers. JMD was hired to monitor their work. The indictment alleges that from June 2009 to January 2010, Johnson and two of its managers -- President Ernest Johnson and Supervisor Rai Johnson -- instructed workers to dump asbestos down holes cut through the floors of each building. They also are charged with failing to wet the asbestos and leaving it in open containers for disposal.
Aaron Mango, the assistant U.S. attorney overseeing the case, said Johnson's practices violated a wide range of regulations regarding the disposal of asbestos.
"It is so dangerous," Mango said, "you have to insure you're taking these steps."
The indictment also alleges that JMD, the company hired to monitor Johnson's work, conspired to violate the Clean Air Act. The company was hired to conduct air sampling tests and other oversight work but, according to prosecutors, failed to do those tests properly. The government also claims JMD falsified inspection reports. The indictment also charges four of JMD's employees: Field Supervisor Evan Harnden of North Tonawanda and Project Monitors Henry Hawkins of Buffalo, Chris Coseglia of Niagara Falls and Brian Scott of North Tonawanda.
Each of the 23 counts carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.
"Asbestos is a known carcinogen and we take very seriously these investigations," said David G. McLeod Jr., assistant special agent in charge of the Criminal Investigative Division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
According to the EPA, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung disease, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. State and federal officials would not speculate on the public health risks posed by the asbestos-removal effort at Kensington Heights. They did acknowledge, however, that given the companies' alleged practices and the six-month period in which the alleged violations took place, it is possible the public was put at risk.
"There are plenty of good reasons why the (Clean Air Act) is on the books," Hochul said.
Prosecutors said the indictment is the culmination of an investigation involving a wide range of state and federal agencies, including the FBI, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Work on Kensington Heights stalled last year and prompted the Housing Authority to terminate its demolition contract with developer Hormoz Mansouri in January. Mansouri countered by suing the authority for breach of contract. Federal officials said Mansouri, a politically connected contractor, is not accused of any wrongdoing.
Related articles
- NYS Senate Considering Asbestos Notification Fee Changes (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Did You Know? (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- $2.5 million awarded in asbestos case verdict (newdayunderwriting.wordpress.com)
- CMM Realty Alleged to Have Violated OSH Act and Clean Air Act (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Building owner accuses asbestos removers hired by city of not being safe (newdayunderwriting.wordpress.com)
- Daily Show Exposes Asbestos Hypocrisy in Quebec Canada (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Friday, August 05, 2011
The Engineering Job Interview - How an Engineer Dresses Professionally
Image via WikipediaIn a previous posting we discussed that we enjoy reading or viewing Menswear expert Antonio Centeno's posts on dressing. Here is a posting regarding how to dress for an engineering job interview that first got me interested in his posts and his videos. This article discusses the interview suit, including the suit's style, fabric, and fit and the shirt, tie, and shoes. Considering the economy and number of unemployed, this article may give you an edge on the competition when interviewing for a job.
Related articles
- Job interview with a billionaire. No fooling. (ask.metafilter.com)
- 3 Things People Hate Most About Job Interviews (And How To Overcome Them) (lifehack.org)
- Where Should Your Necktie Tip Fall? (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- I Wish I Could Say This Would Bag You Your Dream Job (eurekanaija.wordpress.com)
- Powerfully Branding Yourself to Lose the Job Interview (personalbrandingblog.com)
- How to Prepare for a Job Interview (landingexpert.wordpress.com)
- A Job Interview (1stepup2stepsback.wordpress.com)
Monday, August 01, 2011
NYS Senate Considering Asbestos Notification Fee Changes
Image by Getty Images via @daylifeThe New York State Senate is considering changes to the notification fees paid by residential homeowners. These changes are being considered, because currently, a very small percentage of asbestos project notifications are received from projects involving owner occupied one or two family structures. The NYS Senate believes that so few of these notifications are received because the current fee structure is cost prohibitive, which results in homeowners either doing the abatement project illegally themselves or not doing the project at all. If home-owners are charged a fee of no more than five hundred dollars ($500) for the project notification it will result in improved compliance and an increase in the number of homeowner asbestos project notifications received by the NYS Department of Labor, since it would become more economically feasible to comply with the law. For more information S748-2011 can be found at: http://m.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S748-2011.
Related articles
Related articles
- Did You Know? (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- NYS Education Department Issues Clarification on Asbestos Material Testing (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Canada Blocks Asbestos's Placement on UN's List of Hazardous Substances (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- NYC DEP Plans Increase In Enforcement On Asbestos Investigators (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Daily Show Exposes Asbestos Hypocrisy in Quebec Canada (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- NYCDEP Creates a New Closeout Process for A-TRU (Asbestos) Permitted Projects (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Summer & Fall 2011 Future Focus Now Available Online (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Related articles
- Daily Show Exposes Asbestos Hypocrisy in Quebec Canada (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- NYCDEP Creates a New Closeout Process for A-TRU (Asbestos) Permitted Projects (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Summer & Fall 2011 Future Focus Now Available Online (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Friday, July 29, 2011
Judge Stops Changes to Manufacturers Trust Company Building
Marble Columns Required Protection from the Poly, Spray Glue, & Duct Tape. |
Related articles
- Did You Know? (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Controversy Regarding Brodeur's Asbestos Research Information at The New York Public Library. (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Summer & Fall 2011 Future Focus Now Available Online (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
NYS Education Department Issues Clarification on Asbestos Material Testing
New York State Education Department's Office of Facilities Planning newsletter #107 (July 2011) issued clarifications regarding asbestos material testing that were brought up by the New York State Department of Health' Environmental Laboratory Approval Program's (ELAP) FAQ. Major points from the newsletter:
- Review your management plans and data, and determine if the ceiling tile results were obtained through an appropriate test, ELAP items 198.6 or 198.4. If the tiles were correctly tested in accordance with the current protocols and the data are available, no additional testing is required. If that information is not available, or if the results were not obtained in accordance with ELAP items 198.6 or 198.4, school districts should consider testing as either part of an existing or planned capital improvement or as an independent analysis prior to disturbance.
- Be aware that ceiling tiles and other products purchased today can still contain asbestos, but many manufacturers offer documentation as to the asbestos free nature of their products. Some manufacturers date stamp ceiling tiles. If you can provide documentation of when and where the tiles were purchased and installed, the manufacturer should be able to provide documentation or certification that they do not contain ACM, and your management plan should be updated accordingly.
- If you have documentation that your ceiling tiles or other materials are non-ACM, additional testing is not required, however, as in any investigation, actual bulk sample results would supersede documentation in an analysis of the situation.
- Check the ELAP list, contained in the web links above, to see if any other materials in your school that may be disturbed such as vinyl tile, mastic, caulking, etc, were tested under the correct protocol, and the results are available. If these items were not tested properly under the current protocol with negative results they should be considered for additional sampling prior to any disturbance.
- If ceiling tiles and other materials are found to be asbestos containing under the current analysis method, the schools asbestos management plan must be updated in accordance with AHERA regulations. Areas with significantly damaged ceiling tiles must be isolated and the damaged areas removed in accordance with AHERA and code rule 56. Districts should consider whether to undertake capital projects if certain ceilings must be accessed on a regular basis.
Considering my reccent article in Future Focus, it seems like someone else is thinking along the same lines as myself.
Related articles
- Summer & Fall 2011 Future Focus Now Available Online (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Canada Blocks Asbestos's Placement on UN's List of Hazardous Substances (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Daily Show Exposes Asbestos Hypocrisy in Quebec Canada (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- First Quebec, Now Zimbabwe (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Did You Know? (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Friday, July 22, 2011
Where Should Your Necktie Tip Fall?
Image via WikipediaThis interesting video teaches you where you necktie tip should fall. Menswear expert Antonio Centeno gives you a definitive answer as to how long you should tie your tie. Mr. Centeno has some great videos helping us guys with dressing properly and purchasing clothes. Find the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyNISJUiKf4&feature=uploademail. For safety reasons you should make sure you tie you necktie above the belt buckle and strongly recommend you make sure your tie is in your shirt when inspecting equipment. This way the necktie will not catch in the equipment. Leading to serious injuries.
Related articles
- The Art and Science of Choosing a Necktie (lewrockwell.com)
- "Get Ready to Rumble" With Your Necktie (tiesbeltsocks.wordpress.com)
- Neckties Flapping In The Breeze (webnerhouse.com)
- The Necktie Series: An Introduction While I don't believe... (putthison.com)
- How to Match a Tie with a Dress Shirt and Suit (artofmanliness.com)
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Future Environment Designs sponsors Bacillus anthracis and Anthrax Video
Image via WikipediaFuture Environment Designs is proud to sponsor a new informational video on Bacillus anthracis and Anthrax. This video is designed as a public service awareness video on the topic of Anthrax which is caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. Future Environment Designs can provide hazard specific training on this subject, especially for office staff that may be concerned regarding suspicious packages or mail.
Related articles
- Nano detector for deadly anthrax (eurekalert.org)
- Nano detector for deadly anthrax (sciencedaily.com)
- NIST seeks improved recovery of samples from biohazard events (scienceblog.com)
- Anthrax (socyberty.com)
- Future Environment Designs Sponsors Public Outreach Lead Video (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Future Environment Designs Sponsors Stachybotrys Public Outreach Video Link (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Future Environment Designs Sponsors Aspergillus & Aspergillosis Video (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Chrysotile Asbestos Banned? More Like Certain Conditions of Use Will Be Eventually Banned!
Many of you, as did I, read about the " Ban of Chrysotile Asbestos " and rejoiced over something long overdue. However, after rea...
-
… … … This debate regarding asbestos floor tiles started at the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York's ...
-
We attended the Environmental Information Association (EIA) 2022 National Conference and Exhibition in Phoenix, Arizona from March 20, thro...
-
Every year at this time the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers with 10 or more employees to post the O...