Massachusetts Asbestos Regulations
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed December 07, 2018
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It was long thought to be the perfect material for use in buildings and other products where heat- and fire-resistance are crucial, such as brake pads and ceiling tiles. But it eventually became apparent that asbestos, a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral, was also responsible for such serious and deadly illnesses as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Its use was mostly phased out in the 1980s, but it remains trapped in older schools, homes, offices, and other structures and locations where asbestos was regularly used. It's typically only when these structures are disturbed through demolition or renovation that the fibers are released into the air and inhaled by those in the vicinity.
In fact, the state's renovation boom resulted in a parallel spike in the number of registered asbestos abatement projects in Massachusetts from 2013 to 2016. This also has led to concerns about cancer in the area, as the number of recorded asbestos safety violations also rose during that period. Below is a summary of Massachusetts' asbestos regulations.
Massachusetts Asbestos Regulations at a Glance
| Statutes | 453 CMR 6.00: The Removal, Containment or Encapsulation of Asbestos |
| Asbestos Regulatory Agencies | Federal:
Massachusetts: |
| Asbestos Removal Regulations | Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) regulations (310 CMR 7.15) require property owners and/or contractors to notify the agency at least ten (10) working days before disturbing asbestos and to properly handle and dispose of asbestos-containing material to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the air. MassDEP does not issue site-specific permits for asbestos projects, but may inspect job sites to ensure that work is being or was done in accordance with its rules. |
| Asbestos and Construction/Demolition Notification Forms |
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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.
Research the Law
- Massachusetts Law
- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
Massachusetts Asbestos Regulations: Related Resources
- MassDEP’s Revised Asbestos Regulation (MassDEP)
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Asbestos Regulation (MassDEP)
- Asbestos Cement Pipe Guidance Document and Conditional Enforcement Discretion (MassDEP)
- Asbestos Labs, Contractors, and Training Providers (Mass. Labor and Workforce Development)
- Answers to Common Asbestos Questions (Mass. Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs)
- Asbestos Exposure Risks
- Asbestos Exposure: Symptoms and Diseases
Get Professional Legal Help With Your Massachusetts Asbestos Claim
If you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos fibers and/or have experienced any of the symptoms associated with asbestosis, mesothelioma, or other such illnesses, you should seek immediate medical attention. You also may want to explore your legal options. Learn more by speaking with a Massachusetts personal injury attorney with experience handling asbestos cases.
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