The Cost of Ignoring Asbestos Testing: Risks, Lawsuits & Liability

 

Introduction

Asbestos is a silent but deadly threat that still lingers in many older buildings. While it was widely used for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, it’s now known to cause severe health conditions, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Unfortunately, many property owners, contractors, and businesses neglect proper asbestos testing—often to disastrous consequences.

Ignoring asbestos testing doesn’t just put lives at risk—it can also lead to costly lawsuits, government penalties, and significant financial liability. In this article, we’ll explore why asbestos testing is crucial, the potential risks of ignoring it, and how UNYSE can help you stay safe and compliant.

 

 

Why Asbestos Testing Matters

Health Risks: The Hidden Danger of Asbestos

Asbestos fibers are microscopic and, when disturbed, can become airborne and easily inhaled. The problem? These fibers lodge deep into lung tissues, leading to severe health issues over time.

Some of the most serious asbestos-related diseases include:

  • Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer linked exclusively to asbestos exposure.

  • Lung Cancer: Exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, especially for smokers.

  • Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease that causes severe breathing difficulties.

  • Pleural Plaques: Thickened lung tissues that can lead to respiratory issues.

The scary part? These illnesses often take decades to develop, meaning exposure today might not show symptoms until years later.

Legal and Financial Liabilities: The True Cost of Ignoring Asbestos

Failing to conduct proper asbestos testing can open the door to major legal consequences, including:

1. Lawsuits from Affected Individuals

Property owners and businesses can face lawsuits from employees, tenants, or visitors who develop asbestos-related illnesses. These lawsuits can result in millions of dollars in settlements—not to mention damage to your reputation.

✅ Example: In 2018, Johnson & Johnson faced a $4.69 billion lawsuit from women who claimed their asbestos-contaminated talcum powder caused ovarian cancer.

2. OSHA and EPA Violations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have strict regulations regarding asbestos exposure. Non-compliance can lead to:

  • Heavy fines (ranging from thousands to millions of dollars).

  • Forced shutdowns of construction or renovation projects.

  • Criminal charges in severe cases.

3. Property Devaluation and Business Risks

If asbestos is found in a building after purchase, the cost of remediation and legal fees can be staggering. Plus, a known asbestos issue can make selling or leasing a property extremely difficult.

✅ Example: In New York, a landlord was ordered to pay over $2 million in damages for exposing tenants to asbestos.

 

 

Industries Most at Risk

Some industries are particularly vulnerable to asbestos-related liabilities, including:

  • Construction & Renovation: Demolition or remodeling of older buildings can disturb asbestos fibers.

  • Real Estate & Property Management: Selling, renting, or maintaining older properties requires asbestos awareness.

  • Manufacturing & Industrial Workplaces: Many older factories still contain asbestos insulation and materials.

  • Schools & Government Buildings: Public institutions must comply with strict asbestos safety regulations.

If you operate in any of these industries, asbestos testing isn’t optional—it’s a necessity.

 

 

How UNYSE Can Help Protect You

When it comes to asbestos compliance, you need a trusted partner to help navigate the complex regulations and ensure safety. That’s where UNYSE comes in.

For over 30 years, UNYSE has been a leader in asbestos testing, abatement oversight, and environmental safety. Here’s how they can help:

✅ Professional Asbestos Testing & Inspections

UNYSE provides comprehensive asbestos testing to identify and assess asbestos-containing materials in your building before they become a hazard.

✅ Regulatory Compliance & Consulting

Worried about EPA, OSHA, or state regulations? UNYSE ensures your business meets all legal requirements, avoiding costly fines and lawsuits.

✅ Training & Certification

UNYSE offers asbestos awareness training and certification programs to educate contractors, property managers, and employees on safe handling practices.

✅ Project Oversight & Air Monitoring

If asbestos removal is necessary, UNYSE provides project monitoring to ensure proper safety procedures are followed and airborne fibers are controlled.

By partnering with UNYSE, you can protect your employees, tenants, and investments—while staying compliant with the law.

 

 

How to Protect Yourself: The Importance of Proactive Testing

1. Conduct an Asbestos Inspection Before Any Renovation

Before tearing down walls or replacing insulation, always have a certified asbestos inspector test for asbestos. This ensures you don’t unknowingly release dangerous fibers into the air.

2. Follow Federal & State Regulations

Every state has its own asbestos laws, but at a minimum, you should follow:

  • EPA’s Asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)

  • OSHA’s Asbestos Standard for the Construction Industry

  • State and local asbestos abatement regulations

3. Train Employees on Asbestos Safety

If your business involves construction, demolition, or property management, ensure your employees know:

  • How to recognize potential asbestos-containing materials.

  • Proper safety procedures when working in older buildings.

  • The importance of wearing protective gear and using containment methods.

4. Hire Licensed Asbestos Abatement Professionals

If asbestos is found, don’t try to remove it yourself! Asbestos removal should only be handled by trained professionals to avoid contamination.

 

 

The Bottom Line: Ignoring Asbestos Testing Isn’t Worth the Risk

Choosing to ignore asbestos testing is a gamble that could cost lives, lawsuits, and financial ruin. Whether you’re a property owner, business operator, or contractor, ensuring proper asbestos inspections can save you from hefty fines, expensive legal battles, and irreversible health damage.