Two asbestos services companies will pay up to $220,000 after leaving hazardous material behind in Massachusetts homes — a reminder for homeowners in a state with dense pre-1978 housing that even professional contractors can fail to fully remove dangerous asbestos.
The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office announced consent judgments against Clean Slate Inc. (formerly Air Safe, Inc.) and Safety Environmental Consultants, Inc. (SEC) on June 27, 2026. The companies violated the Massachusetts Clean Air Act and state asbestos regulations while handling asbestos-containing insulation in the basements of two homes in Berlin and Marlborough.
According to the settlement, Air Safe failed to fully remediate asbestos-containing material from the properties. SEC, which was responsible for surveying the sites, failed to detect visible asbestos-containing material that workers left behind. About $100,000 of the settlement will go to the Massachusetts Environmental Justice Fund.
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What Went Wrong in These Massachusetts Homes
The case highlights two critical failures that can put homeowners at risk. First, the removal company did not completely eliminate all asbestos-containing material from the basement areas. Second, the inspection company that surveyed the work missed visible asbestos that remained on-site.
This combination left homeowners believing their homes were safe when hazardous material was still present. Asbestos fibers, when disturbed, can become airborne and pose serious health risks when inhaled over time.
Why Massachusetts Homeowners Face Higher Risk
Massachusetts has one of the highest concentrations of pre-1978 housing in the nation. The state's signature triple-decker homes, built in the early 1900s, often contain asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, pipe wrapping, and roofing materials. MycoTest's state-by-state environmental hazard map shows elevated risk in Massachusetts due to this older housing stock.
Before 1978, asbestos was commonly used in building materials for its fire resistance and durability. Homeowners planning renovations, purchasing older homes, or dealing with basement work should verify that any suspected asbestos has been properly identified and removed.
How to Protect Your Home
This settlement shows that professional inspections are not always reliable. Homeowners can take an active role in verifying their home's safety:
- Request documentation: After any asbestos work, ask for written confirmation that all material was removed and air clearance testing was completed.
- Know the warning signs: Asbestos was commonly used in pipe insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and vermiculite attic insulation in pre-1978 homes.
- Test before renovating: Any home improvement project that disturbs walls, ceilings, floors, or insulation in an older home should start with asbestos testing.
- Verify contractor credentials: Massachusetts requires asbestos contractors to be licensed. Check credentials before hiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Massachusetts home has asbestos?
Homes built before 1978 in Massachusetts commonly contain asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, ceiling materials, and pipe wrapping. You cannot identify asbestos by sight alone — the material must be tested by a certified lab. A DIY asbestos test kit allows you to collect a small sample and send it for professional analysis.
What should I do if an asbestos contractor left material behind?
Document everything with photos and contact the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to file a complaint. You may also want to have the remaining material independently tested to confirm it contains asbestos before pursuing further action.
Is it safe to test for asbestos myself?
Yes, when done carefully. DIY asbestos testing involves collecting a small sample of suspected material while wearing a mask and gloves, then sealing it for lab analysis. The sample collection process poses minimal risk when you follow kit instructions and avoid disturbing large areas of material.
For Massachusetts homeowners concerned about asbestos in their basement, attic, or anywhere else in a pre-1978 home, independent testing provides peace of mind. The MycoTest DIY Asbestos Test delivers certified lab results with digital delivery — no waiting for an inspector appointment.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. MycoTest DIY kits are screening tools. For confirmed contamination, consult a certified environmental professional.
