Asbestos News

Renovation work at a Massachusetts convenience store has resulted in asbestos violations for the shop's operator.

Tedeschi Food Shops, Inc. was fined $30,100 by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for violating asbestos guidelines during work at one of its stores in Leominster.

According to to a release from the state agency, investigators with MassDEP observed workers improperly removing, handling and storing asbestos-containing tiles. Tedeschi was fined for this violation and for also failing to inform the agency about work involving asbestos.

"Corporations in Massachusetts must be fully aware of their responsibilities under the regulations to thoroughly inspect areas of their facilities for the presence of asbestos-containing materials prior to commencing renovation or demolition work," the deputy director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester, Lee Dillard Adams, said.

Following asbestos regulations is essential as allowing workers to be exposed to asbestos can have serious consequences. If the deadly mineral fibers are inhaled, they can cause lung cancer, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.

MassDEP is also pursuing the contractor who was in charge of the work at the Leominster store.