A family-run asbestos removal company in Lynnwood, Washington, has been hit with one of the largest fines issued by the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) in recent years. Seattle Asbestos of Washington is accused of repeatedly exposing workers and homeowners to hazardous asbestos materials.
Key Takeaways
- Seattle Asbestos of Washington fined over $790,000 by L&I.
- Company accused of multiple safety violations, including improper containment of asbestos.
- L&I claims the company knowingly exposed workers and homeowners to asbestos.
- The company is appealing the citations.
Significant Exposure Risks
The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has levied a fine exceeding $790,000 against Seattle Asbestos of Washington, a family-operated asbestos removal company based in Lynnwood. According to L&I, the company knowingly exposed both its workers and homeowners to asbestos, a toxic material known to cause severe health issues.
“It’s a significant exposure risk for the workers of companies like this, as well as for, in this case, the homeowners,” said an L&I spokesperson.
Repeat Violations
Matt Ross, a public affairs manager for L&I, stated that the company has been cited for similar violations multiple times over the past few years. “These were repeat violations. Things that we’ve caught them doing over and over and over again, five times in the last few years,” Ross said.
Specific Violations
L&I has accused Seattle Asbestos of Washington of several specific safety violations, including:
- Using duct tape over a hole in a plastic barrier, allowing asbestos particles to escape.
- Failing to seal off appliances and other materials in homes.
- Operating a malfunctioning negative air machine designed to clean harmful particles from the air.
- Leaving asbestos-containing wallboard uncovered in a living room.
Health Risks
Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause severe health issues, including asbestosis and mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer. Diana Ceballos, an Assistant Professor of occupational health sciences at the University of Washington, explained the dangers: “The reason why it can be so toxic is because it’s very sharp. And so when it goes in your lungs, it can be– kind of creates, like, scarring in your lungs, and so it cannot be cleared out.”
Company Response
Seattle Asbestos of Washington has declined to comment on the situation. Their website claims that they remove asbestos in a timely and safe manner. However, L&I is pursuing the process to revoke the company’s certification.
What Homeowners Can Do
For homeowners needing asbestos removal, L&I recommends checking their online list of certified local companies to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Sources
- Family-run Lynnwood asbestos company hit with one of the biggest fines L&I’s doled out in years | king5.com, KING5.com.
- Washington L&I Fines Asbestos Removal Company $800,000 for Safety Violations — Occupational Health & Safety, Occupational Health and Safety.
