BOSTON (Legal Newsline) – Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced that home improvement contractor Pablo Carbonell will pay up to $60,000 after allegations he failed to follow required procedures during the improper removal of asbestos-containing shingles from an Ayer home undergoing renovation.
“Improperly removing and handling asbestos can create serious health problems,” Healey said. “Asbestos removal must be performed according to strict procedures, and we vigorously will pursue those who fail to comply with the law and potentially put the public at risk from exposure to asbestos.”
According to the state’s claim, Carbonell violated the Massachusetts Clean Air Act by breaking transite asbestos shingles off of a house without following proper procedures. He allegedly failed to wet, cover or contain the asbestos during removal.
“Before any demolition or renovation activity begins, contractors must identify asbestos-containing materials so they can be properly removed and handled in accordance with the law,” Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Commissioner Martin Suuberg said. “Following required work practices is imperative in order to protect workers and the general public from asbestos exposure.”