Mesothelioma Aid

Syracuse Company Accused of Asbestos Scheme

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has indicted an air monitoring company and some of its former employees on charges that they were involved in an asbestos scheme involving fraudulent air monitoring and false reports given to schools, homes and businesses.

The indictment named Certified Environmental Services, Inc as a participant in a scheme where asbestos was illegally removed or left behind in numerous locations in upstate New York.

They claim the company gave asbestos abatement contractors inaccurate air test results which gave the appearance that asbestos had been fully removed. Building owners were assured asbestos was at or below the required threshold when in many cases the results showed fibers levels above those marks.

The fraudulent air monitoring and associated results were given to a variety of sites including schools, government buildings, churches, private homes and a variety of other facilities. In some cases asbestos was properly removed but the company continued monitoring.

The defendants are accused of violating the Clean Air Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, committing mail fraud and making false states to EPA agents. If the defendants are found guilty, they face up to five years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.

It is unknown whether people who live or work in places may be at risk for exposure to asbestos. Long term exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to debilitating illnesses including mesothelioma.