Maine Asbestos Regulations
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed December 11, 2018
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Asbestos is a strong and heat resistant naturally-occurring mineral that was previously used to make thousands of products, many of which were used in construction and manufacturing. Asbestos has been proven to cause serious illnesses, including asbestosis and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest cavity lining. When asbestos materials are disturbed through a renovation or demolition project, airborne fibers can be inhaled, lodge in the lungs, and cause illness.
Currently, no state or federal law requires the removal of asbestos from any public buildings other than schools. However, many states, including Maine, regulate the removal, transportation, and disposal of asbestos materials to ensure that the public is adequately protected from exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. This article lays out the Main asbestos regulations, including the regulatory agencies and removal requirements.
Maine Regulations at a Glance
The following chart provides a summary of Maine asbestos regulations.
Statutes |
§ Maine Revised Statutes Title 38, Section 12-A § Maine Solid Waste Management Rules Asbestos Management Regulations, Chapter 425 |
Asbestos Regulatory Agencies |
Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) |
Asbestos Removal Regulations |
Removal and Notification § Asbestos removal can be completed only by professionals licensed and certified by the state of Maine. § If an area containing more than 3 square feet of asbestos materials is to be removed, proper notification must be mailed 10 working days before, (or if hand-delivered, 5 working days before) any asbestos removal project commences. Transportation § Transportation of asbestos-containing material is regulated by the Maine DEP. § Once an asbestos-removal job is complete, any waste must be transported by a DEP-certified "non-hazardous waste transporter" to a landfill that is approved to accept friable asbestos. |
Note: State regulations are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Related Maine Resources
- Maine Accident and Injury Laws
- Asbestos Use FAQs
- What is Asbestos and Mesothelioma Law?
- Asbestos Exposure Lawsuits and Liability
Get a Legal Evaluation of Your Asbestos Claim in Maine
Like all other types of lawsuits, asbestos claims are subject to statutes of limitation, meaning you only have a certain amount of time to file a claim. If you've been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, or you think you've been harmed by exposure to asbestos, contact a local personal injury attorney to preserve your legal rights and learn how Maine asbestos regulations apply to your case.
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