Asbestos in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a long history of asbestos use in various industries, leaving behind a legacy of potential exposure in older buildings and workplaces.

Massachusetts, with its rich industrial past, faces significant challenges related to asbestos. Shipbuilding, manufacturing, and construction industries in the state extensively used asbestos-containing materials, leading to potential exposure for workers and residents. While asbestos use is now regulated, many older buildings still contain asbestos, posing health risks. Learn about documented asbestos job sites in Massachusetts, the associated health risks, and available resources.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Massachusetts

Explore 2118 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Massachusetts.

Job Site	City	State
1010 Mem. Drive	Cambridge	MA
1083 Washington Street	Boston	MA
137 Newbury Street	Boston	MA
153 Mt. Auburn Street	Cambridge	MA
15 Pembroke Street	Boston	MA
17 Kilby Street	Boston	MA
1 Beacon Street	Boston	MA
1St National Bank	Boston	MA
200 Boyleston Street	Newton	MA
200 Smith Street	Waltham	MA
2-L Street Station South	Boston	MA
3/4St Nat Bank Of Ipswich	Ipswich	MA
53 State Street	Boston	MA
565 Technology Square	Cambridge	MA
60 State Street Building	Boston	MA

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Massachusetts

Shipyard Workers: Massachusetts has a long history of shipbuilding, particularly in areas like Quincy and Boston, where asbestos was heavily used in ship construction and insulation. (Example: Fore River Shipyard, Quincy, MA)
Construction Workers: Asbestos was a common component in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building materials used in older structures throughout the state. (Example: Buildings constructed before the 1980s in urban areas like Boston, Springfield, and Worcester)
Textile Mill Workers: Massachusetts was a major textile producer, and asbestos was used in machinery and insulation within textile mills. (Example: Former textile mills in Lowell, Lawrence, and Fall River)
Power Plant Workers: Power generation facilities utilized asbestos for insulation and fireproofing. (Example: Brayton Point Power Station, Somerset, MA)

assachusetts Asbestos Regulations and Laws

Massachusetts has implemented laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS).

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)

MassDEP oversees asbestos abatement activities, including:

Licensing of asbestos contractors
Issuing permits for asbestos removal
Ensuring proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials
Providing guidance on managing asbestos in public buildings and schools

Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS)

DLS enforces workplace safety regulations related to asbestos exposure, including:

Permissible exposure limits
Worker training requirements
Use of personal protective equipment

Key Laws and Regulations

MassDEP Asbestos Regulations (310 CMR 7.15): These regulations govern asbestos abatement projects, including notification requirements, work practices, and disposal procedures.
Massachusetts Workplace Safety Regulations: These regulations, enforced by DLS, set standards for asbestos exposure in the workplace, including permissible exposure limits and worker protection measures.

Sources

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) - Asbestos: https://www.mass.gov/guides/massdep-asbestos-construction-demolition-notifications
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-energy-and-environmental-affairs

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Massachusetts?

If you or a loved one is sick or passed away due to asbestos, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Massachusetts law protects victims of asbestos exposure. We can assist you in understanding your legal options.