The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached settlements with several companies in Georgia over alleged violations of asbestos regulations under the Clean Air Act (CAA). These violations include failing to conduct thorough inspections for asbestos-containing materials before demolition or renovation and not providing written notice at least ten days prior to starting demolition activities.

"Federal asbestos laws protect the health of workers and the community during demolition and renovation projects,” said Keriema Newman, Director of the Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division in EPA’s Southeast Region. “When companies fail to follow asbestos requirements, asbestos can become airborne and put people at risk of exposure to a known carcinogen, including workers and residents at neighboring properties.”

Asbestos is regulated by the EPA due to its hazardous nature. It is commonly used in building materials like roofing shingles, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and heat-resistant fabrics. Exposure risks increase when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, releasing particles into the air.

The following companies have settled with the EPA:

- AACR, Inc., Box Springs: Alleged inspection violation with a penalty of $1,378.

- Wells Contracting Inc., Columbus: Alleged notification violation with a penalty of $195.

- David Pearson Communities, Inc., Marietta: Alleged inspection violation with a penalty of $1,951.

- Southeast Restoration Group of Georgia, Canton: Alleged inspection violation with a penalty of $1,951.

- Horizon Construction Company, Alpharetta: Alleged inspection violation with a penalty of $5,425.

- KMD Management LLC., Conyers: Alleged notification violation with a penalty of $1,378.

- Meadowlark Contracting Inc., White: Alleged inspection violation with a penalty of $3,832.

- American Logistics International., Hampton: Alleged notification violation with a penalty of $2,205.

- Blue Star Houses LLC., Atlanta: Alleged notification violation with a penalty of $6,544.

- Rand Construction Corporation., Atlanta: Alleged inspection violation with a penalty of $5,425.

- Total Renovation Services., Alpharetta: Alleged notification violation with a penalty of $1,533.

- J.D.R. Construction & Design Inc., Savannah: Alleged inspection and notification violations with penalties totaling $8,223.

- Central Industries Inc., Savannah: Alleged notice requirement violations with penalties totaling $1,533.

- Pro Tech General Construction Inc., Alpharetta: Alleged requirements violations resulting in penalties totaling $5,425.

- Sunshine 365., Atlanta: Alleged inspection requirement violations resulting in penalties totaling $3,832.

For more information on these settlements or health effects related to asbestos exposure visit resources such as the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry or the National Cancer Institute via links provided on EPA's website.

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