ACECO has not publicly addressed Markey’s request. A White House official stated that “a very extensive abatement and remediation assessment was followed, complying with all applicable federal standards,” and said hazardous-material removal occurred in September, weeks before heavy machinery arrived. The official did not confirm whether asbestos was present nor release supporting documents.
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the nation’s largest asbestos-victims advocacy group, said no public records show that an inspection, notification or abatement plan was filed, as required under the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. Federal rules call for certified inspectors to survey all suspect materials before demolition and mandate protective equipment for workers if asbestos is found.
ADAO president Linda Reinstein warned that without transparent evidence of compliance, “it remains unclear what measures have been taken to ensure the safe removal of deadly asbestos and other hazardous materials.” Photos captured Oct. 23 depict crews clearing rubble, but observers did not report seeing the respiratory protection or full-body suits typically used during asbestos abatement.
Health specialists say even brief, unprotected contact with airborne asbestos fibers can cause long-term lung damage. Dr. Raja Flores, chair of thoracic surgery at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, noted that diseases such as mesothelioma often appear decades after exposure and can lead to what he called “a prolonged and agonizing” illness. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, asbestos fibers lodge in lung tissue, increasing the risk of scarring, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
The demolition has faced criticism beyond safety concerns. A new ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll released Oct. 30 found that 56 percent of Americans oppose removing the East Wing to build the privately financed ballroom, including 45 percent who “strongly” oppose the plan. The project is being funded by $300 million in donations; President Donald Trump said in July that construction would not interfere with the existing White House structure, but officials now describe a full modernization of the wing.
Sources familiar with the project said some workers were required to sign nondisclosure agreements barring them from discussing demolition details. A White House spokesperson called the NDAs standard practice for projects involving operational security at the executive mansion.
Imagem: Internet
Bob Sussman, former deputy administrator of the EPA, questioned the pace of the teardown, saying “the speed with which all this happened” should have triggered closer scrutiny. Demolition began within days of the public announcement, and large sections of the building were gone by Oct. 23.
Environmental advocates also expressed concern about the movement of debris off-site. Dr. Flores cautioned that improper transport of asbestos-contaminated rubble could expose surrounding communities for decades. Under federal regulations, asbestos waste must be wetted, sealed in leak-tight containers, labeled and taken to approved landfills.
The White House has not disclosed the ultimate destination of the debris or released transport manifests. Markey’s letter specifically asks ACECO to identify disposal facilities and provide shipping records to confirm adherence to the hazardous-waste chain of custody.
Industry guidelines typically require local permitting before demolition of a structure likely to contain asbestos. District of Columbia officials have not indicated whether such permits were issued. ACECO has previously performed high-profile federal jobs, including work at the U.S. Capitol, but did not respond to inquiries about the East Wing.
As scrutiny mounts, public health groups are urging a temporary halt to debris removal until independent inspectors verify that all asbestos, lead paint and other contaminants were safely contained. Markey said the “highest possible standards of care” are warranted given the East Wing’s age and national significance, and warned against “a blind eye toward regulation.”
For now, heavy equipment remains on the South Lawn, workers continue clearing rubble, and construction fencing rings the site where the ballroom is scheduled to rise. Whether the administration and its contractors can demonstrate full compliance with federal asbestos rules may determine how soon—and how safely—the next phase of building can proceed.
Crédito da imagem: Eric Lee/Getty Images
