All News Releases By Date

EPA Cites Erie, Pa. Gasket Maker for Asbestos Violations

Release Date: 8/28/2003
Contact Information: Donna Heron, 215-814-5113

Donna Heron, 215-814-5113

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited JHNY, Inc., also known as QUIN-T Technical Papers and Boards, for violating federal asbestos regulations at its gasket manufacturing facility at 140 East 16th Street, Erie, Pa.

EPA’s administrative complaint seeks a $51,700 penalty for alleged violations of Clean Air Act regulations pertaining to manufacturers of asbestos-containing products.

JHNY used asbestos in the gaskets it manufactures. In its complaint, EPA alleges that the company violated asbestos regulations prohibiting visible emissions of asbestos, and requiring air monitoring of potential sources of asbestos emissions. EPA also cited related recordkeeping requirements. The violations were documented during inspections in 2000 and 2001.

In a February 6, 2001 inspection, the EPA inspector found asbestos-containing material caked in a roof vent, and asbestos-containing dust on the floor and catwalk. The inspector also noted that a filter bag in an air cleaning system had collapsed, and asbestos-containing dust was escaping from a roof vent.

Asbestos is a hazardous air pollutant that was once heavily used in insulation and other building materials, as well as gaskets and other products subjected to high heat. Prolonged exposure and inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause cancer and asbestosis, a serious respiratory disease. For more information on asbestos, regulations, and safe work practices, check out EPA’s asbestos homepage at https://www.epa.gov/opptintr/asbestos/index.html.
The company has the right to a hearing to contest the alleged violations and proposed penalties.


#


03-242