NY Asbestos Inspectors Charged in Fraud Scheme
When you hire an asbestos inspector, you most likely assume that they will present truthful and accurate information regarding the presence of asbestos in your home or building. Unfortunately for many New Yorkers who worked with a group of fraudulent asbestos investigators, this was not the case.
Read on to learn more about the recent asbestos inspector fraud scam in New York and what you can do to make sure you’re working with a trustworthy asbestos testing company.
17 Certified Asbestos Investigators Arrested
In a complex scheme that affected an estimated 40 Manhattan properties, 17 certified asbestos investigators have recently been accused of knowingly signing off on asbestos inspection results without ever having actually investigated the properties. In fact, one certified investigator who reportedly inspected one of the properties for asbestos turned out to be in Nigeria during the supposed time of inspection.
In many of these cases, an asbestos test was required in order to obtain a construction permit. Rather than performing the tests and reporting the presence of dangerous asbestos fibers, the accused simply signed off on the necessary documents so that construction could continue without proper asbestos remediation.
Although this case is still under investigation, it is believed that the environmental testing laboratories involved also knew of the fraudulent activity, yet failed to report the incidences.
The Importance of Accurate and Truthful Asbestos Testing
When dealing with a potentially deadly substance like asbestos, getting an accurate and truthful lab report is a crucial step before a renovation or construction project can safely begin. Thus, not only did these fraudulent asbestos inspectors take money from clients without actually performing the work, but they also put the lives of everyone involved in the construction and habitation of these buildings in life-threatening danger.
Although it might be tempting to try to cut corners before an expensive reno or demo project, the fact of the matter is that asbestos particles can pose a serious health risk and could lead to the development of deadly lung cancer. For this reason, it’s vital that you and your asbestos inspector are compliant with all rules and regulations regarding asbestos testing prior to demolition or construction.
How to Choose an Asbestos Inspector
So how do you know you’re choosing a reputable asbestos inspector you can trust? One way to avoid inspector fraud is to contact an environmental laboratory directly to arrange for asbestos, air quality, mold, or other testing. Look for a fully-accredited environmental lab with a proven track record of providing high-quality, accurate testing services. At IRIS Environmental Laboratories, we even offer an e-lab so that you can easily access your test results online.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re still unsure about how to find a vetted, trustworthy asbestos inspector, or if you’d like to learn more about how to get started with the process, please contact us online or give us a call at (973)494-3762.
We are more than happy to answer your questions and point you in the right direction to help you keep your family protected from inspector fraud and dangerous asbestos exposure.