Following the recent demolition of the East Wing of the White House, questions are being raised about whether the Trump administration and the contractors involved adhered to federal health and safety regulations. Critics are particularly focused on the handling of hazardous materials, such as asbestos, which was commonly used during the East Wing's original construction.

On Thursday, Senator Edward Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, sent a letter to executives at ACECO, the Maryland-based demolition contractor. In his letter, Markey requested evidence that the company complied with regulations regarding the safe removal of asbestos and lead. He expressed concern that the demolition process may have prioritized cost over safety, stating, "The demolition of a structure of the age and historic national significance of the East Wing demands the highest possible standards of care, not the lowest bid and a blind eye toward regulation."

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the nation’s largest organization for asbestos victims, also raised alarms about the demolition. They emphasized that federal law mandates comprehensive inspections and notifications regarding asbestos before any demolition occurs. In a statement, ADAO noted, "No publicly available information demonstrates that these statutory obligations have been fulfilled."

A White House official confirmed that an extensive assessment for hazardous materials was conducted prior to the demolition. However, they did not disclose whether asbestos was found in the East Wing. The official stated that any necessary abatement was completed in September, before the demolition took place earlier this month.

Linda Reinstein, president of ADAO, expressed skepticism about the claims made by the White House. She stated, "I have seen no public evidence to suggest that an assessment or abatement took place." Federal regulations require rigorous inspections before demolition, and these inspections must be documented with certification. If asbestos is detected, workers are required to wear protective gear, such as hazmat suits, during the removal process.

Reinstein voiced her concerns for the safety of White House staff and others near the demolition site, saying, "It remains unclear what measures have been taken to ensure the safe removal of deadly asbestos and other hazardous materials."

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in mid-20th century construction for insulation and fireproofing. It poses serious health risks, as invisible fibers can become airborne during demolition or renovation. Medical experts warn that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and even brief, unprotected exposure can lead to severe lung damage and increase the risk of mesothelioma, a type of cancer affecting the lungs.

Dr. Raja Flores, a leading lung specialist and Chairman of Thoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, highlighted the long-term health implications of asbestos exposure. He stated, "It can take years after inhaling the fibers for symptoms to arise. The progressive lung disease and cancer that can occur after asbestos exposure makes you weak, you feel short of breath, feel like you're drowning and all these symptoms develop over a long period of time."

Flores also expressed his apprehension about the demolition site, saying, "You wouldn't catch me in there -- not without a mask and not without precautions."

While White House officials have not confirmed the presence of asbestos in the East Wing, experts suggest that the building's age and the era of its construction raise significant concerns about potential hazardous materials being present during the demolition process.