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Future Environment Designs Training Center

Future Environment Designs Training Center specializes in asbestos, indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, and occupational safety training programs. We offer New York State asbestos and mold certification courses. We design, develop, and maintain the various indoor air quality, asbestos, and safety programs that are Keeping Your Employees Safe.

Training for Asbestos or mold

Regulatory Updates, Industry Concerns, and Straight Talk from OSHA and NYSDOL – Day 3

May 22, 2026 No Comments

The third and final day of the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) 29th Annual Environmental Conference at the beautiful Turning Stone Resort Casino wrapped up another outstanding year of education, discussion, and industry networking. February 27, 2026, focused heavily on regulatory updates, owner expectations, compliance trends, and direct engagement with regulators — exactly the kind of practical information environmental professionals need to bring back to the field. Throughout the day, attendees gathered in the Mohawk Room for presentations. At the same time, the Oneida Room Vendor Exhibit Hall continued to serve as the hub for coffee breaks, networking, and conversations with exhibitors.  PACNY once again demonstrated why this conference remains one of the most valuable environmental industry events in New York State. PACNY Leadership Opens the Day The morning began with remarks from PACNY President Kevin Hutton and PACNY Vice President Russell Vent, who discussed the current state of PACNY, ongoing industry initiatives, and the organization’s continued role in supporting environmental professionals throughout New York State.  Their comments reflected both the growth of the organization and the evolving challenges facing the asbestos, remediation, and environmental consulting industries. “A Crystal Ball” Panel Brings Owner Perspectives Front and Center One of the most engaging discussions of the day was the panel presentation titled: “A Crystal Ball – What Owners and General Managers Want You To Know” The session was moderated by Bridget Ruane of C&S Companies and featured panelists representing multiple perspectives within the construction and environmental industry: James Riscica of C&S Technical Services, representing general contractors Sean Dollaway of C&S Companies, representing construction managers Conor Osterman of SUNY Upstate Medical University, representing owners and clients This panel generated substantial discussion because it addressed a growing frustration that many owners, construction managers, and contractors are experiencing regarding asbestos surveys and project

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Training for Asbestos or mold

PACNY 29th Annual Environmental Conference Part Two – Day Two Recap

April 16, 2026 No Comments

Day Two of the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) 29th Annual Environmental Conference on February 26, 2026, at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino delivered a full schedule of technical presentations, regulatory updates, and practical field discussions, all complemented by strong engagement in the Vendor Exhibit Hall. With the morning sessions split between the Mohawk and Tuscarora Rooms, attendees could tailor their experience to their discipline and interests while still coming together throughout the day in the Oneida Room for networking, lunch, and the always-popular Happy Hour. Vendor Exhibit Hall Sets New Record Before diving into the sessions, it’s worth highlighting that this year’s Vendor Exhibit Hall, located in the Oneida Room, featured 32 vendors, setting a new conference record. This continues to reflect the industry’s growth and the importance of direct interaction among service providers, manufacturers, trainers, consultants, and contractors. The exhibit hall remained active throughout the day, especially during lunch and the closing Happy Hour, providing valuable opportunities to connect and discuss new products, services, and technologies. Morning Sessions – Mohawk Room “Lead-Based Paint Regulations: Recent Changes & Updated Standards” by Brad Arthur, PE – Arthur Engineering DPC. The day began with a regulatory-focused presentation on lead-based paint, where one of the more notable updates discussed was the shift away from using the term “clearance.” Instead, the industry is moving toward defined terminology using two distinct clearance-related levels: Work Completed Pre-Occupancy Brad also addressed the growing challenges associated with analytical methods at increasingly lower detection limits. The cost differences between methodologies were particularly eye-opening: Flame AA: approximately $4 per sample ICP: approximately $45 per sample This has significant implications for project budgeting and laboratory selection as regulatory thresholds continue to tighten. “The Science You Should Know” by Kevin Hutton – EAST Centers of NY. Kevin delivered a science-driven session reinforcing

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Training for Asbestos or mold

PACNY 29th Annual Environmental Conference Returns to Three-Day Format at Turning Stone

March 19, 2026 No Comments

The Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) 29th Annual Environmental Conference, held at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino, marked a strong return to a full three-day format, taking place February 25th, 26th, and 27th, 2026. The expanded schedule provided additional opportunities for education, collaboration, and industry engagement, beginning with the President’s Reception on the evening of February 25th. Early Afternoon Session: Technology, Design, and Industry Insight The conference officially opened on Wednesday with a timely and forward-looking presentation by Mark and Mike Gonzales, of Cornerstone Training Institute, titled: “The Emergence of AI, Robotics, Virtual Reality, and Modern Technologies in the Environmental Remediation Industry.” This was an excellent, highly relevant session that explored not only the availability of these technologies but also their active implementation across the environmental and remediation sectors. The discussion covered: Real-world applications of artificial intelligence and robotics The role of virtual reality in training and hazard simulation The benefits of increased efficiency, safety, and data collection The limitations and challenges that still exist with AI adoption A key takeaway was the growing role of advanced sensors and exoskeletons, which are now being used to assess hazards in real time and, in many cases, eliminate or significantly reduce worker exposure. The integration of these tools represents a meaningful step forward in both safety and productivity. Additionally, the use of drones equipped with 360-degree cameras continues to evolve, offering enhanced site assessments, documentation, and inspection capabilities—particularly in areas that are difficult or unsafe to access.  The session struck a balanced tone, emphasizing both the promise of these technologies and the practical limitations the industry must still navigate. Late Afternoon Panel Discussion: The Criticality of Design Following a short break, the focus shifted from emerging technology to one of the foundational elements of our industry—project design.  Benjamin Reddy

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Training for Asbestos or mold

OSHA 300A Posting Requirements and 2026 Penalty Updates: What Employers Need to Know

February 23, 2026 No Comments

It’s time once again to focus on an important requirement from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Employers with 10 or more employees are required to post the OSHA 300A Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses from February 1 through April 30, 2026. This annual posting reflects injury and illness data from calendar year 2025 and ensures transparency for employees regarding workplace safety performance. If you need guidance in completing the OSHA 300A form, we’ve got resources to help you out. We partnered with Keevily Spero & Whitelaw to create a webinar that walks you through the steps for both the OSHA 300 and 300A forms. You can find the webinar on our YouTube Channel or watch the video below. In addition to posting, many employers are required to electronically submit their OSHA 300A data by March 2, 2026.  Let’s break this down. OSHA 300A Form – Posting Requirements The OSHA 300A form summarizes the injury and illness data recorded throughout the year on the OSHA 300 Log. It provides totals for: Total cases Cases with days away from work Cases with job transfer or restriction Recordable injuries and illnesses by category Total number of days away or restricted Establishment information and annual average employment Covered employers must ensure that the 300 Log is completed as the year progresses and that totals are accurately calculated at year-end for the 300A summary. The OSHA 300A must: Be certified by a company executive Be posted in a conspicuous location where employee notices are normally placed Remain posted from February 1 through April 30 Be retained for five years Be updated if new recordable information becomes available Electronic Submission – March 2, 2026 Deadline OSHA’s electronic reporting rule requires certain establishments to submit injury and illness data through the OSHA Injury Tracking Application

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Training for Asbestos or mold

Update of Dust and Debris Sampling in New York State: What Asbestos Inspectors Need to Know

January 26, 2026 No Comments

On July 16, 2016, we blogged about “Asbestos Dust Sampling in New York State,” since that post had over 1,550 views and will be ten years old this year. We thought we should update the post. In addition, we were honored to be asked by Dr. Martin Rutstein to join him and Mr. Marc Rutstein in presenting at the 2026 Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) 29th Annual Environmental Conference. Our presentation is titled “Asbestos in Settled Dust – Is it a Valid Method in a Consultant’s Toolbox?” We look forward to seeing you at the conference and discussing this issue. This issue is typically discussed in our asbestos inspector and designer classes, so many of you already know some of the issues. These discussions are necessary because this is an area where misunderstandings, improper sampling, and incorrect laboratory analysis can lead to serious regulatory, financial, and legal consequences for building owners, contractors, and consultants alike (Dr. Martin Rutstein & Marc Rutstein will be discussing recent case histories). Under New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Industrial Code Rule 56, dust and debris are specifically identified as suspect miscellaneous asbestos-containing materials (ACM). This means that any debris or dust that is visually assessed by an asbestos inspector must be treated and handled as ACM and assumed to be asbestos-containing until bulk sampling and analysis demonstrate otherwise. The inevitable question that follows is a practical one: How do you collect bulk samples of debris and dust? Scrape Sampling and NYSDOH ELAP Method 198.1 The most straightforward method is to physically collect the debris or dust by scraping it into an asbestos sample bag using a knife, scraper, or business card. This collected material can then be submitted for analysis using the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Environmental Laboratory

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Future Environment Designs wishes all of you a Merry Holidays and a Happy New Year!

January 2, 2026 No Comments

As we say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026, we reflect that 2025 was a really good year for Future Environment Designs, Inc. (FEDTC). We trained over 1,000 individuals this past year, and over 870 of them reviewed us and gave us a 4.9 out of 5 evaluation on the over 25 different training programs we provided. Our At Your Convenience Service provided respirator fit testing and medical evaluations for over 50 individuals. As we continue to provide these different training programs and services into 2026, we look forward to partnering with more companies and individuals as we enter our 38th year in business. We are still working on a balance between the company and our personal life (though in 2025, we did celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary by taking a three-week European Vacation). Which is almost always intertwined. HERALD 2025 GreenBIZ Award Future Environment Designs was proud to announce that Angelo Garcia III, Principal-Industrial Hygienist and Founder, had been selected as a recipient of the HERALD 2025 GreenBIZ Award, presented by HERALD Community Newspapers and RichnerLIVE. The inaugural GreenBIZ Awards recognize Long Island companies and individuals leading the way in environmental sustainability and community impact. Mr. Garcia was chosen for his more than 30 years of commitment to improving environmental health and safety through education, advocacy, and industry leadership. PACNY 2025/2026 We were honored to be re-elected to the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY). board back in January.  The 2025 Environmental Conference was one of our most successful conferences ever. Having the highest number of vendors in the Vendor Exhibit Hall. The panel we put together went over very well. Read about last year’s conference in our March 30, 2025, blog post. The 2026 PACNY Environmental Conference registration and sponsorship sign-up have already opened. Visit their website here

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Training for Asbestos or mold

Honoring Legacy, Advancing Justice: ADAO’s 20th Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference at Mount Sinai

December 1, 2025 No Comments

Future Environment Designs, Inc. (FEDTC) was honored to be invited to the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s (ADAO’s) 20th Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference (AAPC 2025), held at the historic Mount Sinai Hospital (fun fact: Angelo Garcia, III was born there) in New York City.  The conference was an extraordinary success—an inspiring gathering that honored frontline heroes, scientists, advocates, and policymakers who continue to advance asbestos science, prevention, and justice.  Their work, rooted in Dr. Irving Selikoff’s groundbreaking contributions, continues to guide ADAO’s mission and strengthen its resolve. Candlelight Vigil at 9/11 Memorial This milestone year—two decades of ADAO’s leadership in education, advocacy, and community building—brought together a global network of experts and survivors committed to ending asbestos exposure and saving lives.  The conference shared life-saving information, reached new audiences, and deepened the collaborative spirit that has defined ADAO since its founding. Linda Reinstein, Co-Founder & President of ADAO, declared: “On behalf of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every attendee, speaker, honoree, presenter, volunteer, sponsor, and steadfast supporter who made this historic event possible.” A Legacy Honored: Dr. Irving Selikoff’s Enduring Impact This year’s theme, “Building on Dr. Selikoff’s Legacy in Asbestos Science, Prevention & Justice,” paid tribute to the physician whose pioneering work exposed the dangers of asbestos and reshaped occupational health policy worldwide.  To commemorate this legacy, the conference proudly unveiled the 10th poster in “BADGES: A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers,” created by award-winning documentary photographer Earl Dotter.  Titled “Science. Prevention. Justice.”, the tribute honors Dr. Selikoff’s transformative influence and reaffirms everyone’s commitment to continuing the critical work he began. BADGES: A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers The program also included a moving remembrance of September 11, honoring those who lost their lives to asbestos-related diseases following that tragic day — a solemn reminder

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Popular Post

Asbestos Floor Tile Debate Results

July 12, 2017 9 Comments

… … … This debate regarding asbestos floor tiles started at the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York’s (PACNY’s) 2017 Environmental Conference.  At the conference,

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When Do Asbestos Certificates (Hard Cards) Expire Under COVID-19? New Update: No more extensions!

April 24, 2021 7:30 pm

… … … This question is the overwhelming number one question we at Future Environment Designs (FEDTC) are being asked at this time.  So, to answer this question we must remember that there are two agencies that regulate asbestos licensing and training.  The license (companies are licensed; individuals get certificates) or more appropriately the asbestos certificate (hard card) is issued by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL).  This certificate expires annually on the last day of your birth month.  Currently, NYSDOL is enforcing expiration dates on certificates.  You may continue to work with your existing cards as long as it is not expired. 

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Training for Asbestos or mold

Future Environment Designs, Inc.

Training for Asbestos or mold

Angelo Garcia, III, CIEC, CEOP, Principal-Industrial Hygienist

Welcome to my blog (I really don’t like that word). This is where I will post items of interest and discussions. I am the Principal- Industrial Hygienist (owner, cook, and bottle washer) of Future Environment Designs, Inc. Hope you enjoy this site as much as I do.

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What People Say About Us

What Students Are Saying About Future Environment Designs Courses

NYS Asbestos Project Monitor Refresher
Angelo you're always a pleasure to work with, Thank you.
Diane M May 21, 2026
NYS Asbestos Project Monitor Refresher
Instructor taught me about new information I had no idea about
Peter G May 21, 2026
NYS Asbestos Project Monitor Refresher
Great presentation and current examples of compliance.
Ronald M May 21, 2026
NYS ASBESTOS OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE INITIAL
Very knowledgeable instructor
Neal B May 12, 2026
NYS MOLD REFRESHER
Very interesting and informative
Michael S May 8, 2026
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Training for Asbestos or mold
Training for Asbestos or mold
Training for Asbestos or mold
Training for Asbestos or mold
Training for Asbestos or mold
Training for Asbestos or mold
Training for Asbestos or mold
Training for Asbestos or mold
Training for Asbestos or mold
Training for Asbestos or mold
Training for Asbestos or mold
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For any inquiries please email

Angelo3@futureenv.com

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