Mesothelioma Blog

One of the promises of asbestos abatement is the removal of the threat of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Abatement procedures are carefully regulated so that the workers do not expose themselves or any one else to threat of melanoma with improper handling techniques.

In theory, asbestos abatement procedures should work. However, greed can undermine procedures.  Residents of Andover, MA were shocked to discover that local resident Albania DeLeon had been faking asbestos removal training certificates for years, from 2001 to 2006.

DeLeon operated Environmental Compliance Training (ECT), an asbestos removal training school in Methuen, MA. The school offered weekly training in the safe removal of asbestos, a mineral known to cause mesothelioma. According to the United States Attorney’s Office in Boston, the school employees, with DeLeon’s full knowledge, sold phony asbestos certificates to hundreds illegal immigrants who used the ECT school and temporary work agency. Armed with the certificates, the untrained workers were able to find work with asbestos abatement companies and sub-contractors.

Many of the uncertified workers found work with DeLeon’s temporary work agency, Methuen Staffing, which specialized in asbestos abatement work. DeLeon paid these workers under the table, not reporting their earnings to the IRS.

Asbestos abatement procedures have been established to provide a reasonable degree of protection to the workers who are charged with removing asbestos materials from buildings. These procedures are meant to protect the general public from exposure as well. Lacking the proper training, the uncertified workers from DeLeon’s training school could have exposed themselves and countless other people to asbestos fibers.

“The potential health risks associated with untrained workers doing this kind of work, is very disturbing” said Bruce M. Foucart, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of Investigations in Boston.

The full extent of the damage that DeLeon set in motion will not be known for decades. Mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases have extremely long latency periods, and symptoms can take 15 to 30 years to develop. Uncertified workers were used in abatement projects throughout the New England area, including Boston, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut. 

DeLeon was convicted of a variety of charges November 19, 2008 after a two and a half week trial. Charges include conspiracy, making false statements, procuring false tax returns, and five counts of mail fraud. Sentencing for DeLeon is scheduled for February 17, 2009.