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Future Environment Designs, Inc. Celebrates 37 Years in Business With a New Program Called “After The Refresher”

October 10, 2025 No Comments

On October 5, 1988, Angelo Garcia, III, founded Future Environment Designs, Inc. (FEDTC) as an indoor air quality consulting and training service to the facility management sector. Since then, we have transformed the company into a provider of asbestos, mold, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance training. That has enabled us to continue for 37 years, with plans to continue for at least another 13 years. Once we converted the company into a training company, we became completely focused on our Blue Ocean Strategy of separating our company from our competitors by including additional services in our training courses to meet our clients’ needs. Services like: supplying personal protective equipment (PPE), providing quantitative respirator fit testing, providing respirator medical evaluations, our monthly Safety Suzy newsletter with content on asbestos, mold, indoor air quality, and occupational safety and health information, our blog where we post items of interest and discussion, our negative air app, our air sampling charts, our training library, our partnership with SiteDocs, and all of it found on FEDTC’s website. In keeping with our Blue Ocean Strategy, we are starting a program called “After the Refresher”. “After the Refresher” will consist of interviews and recordings with people who attended our refresher classes, where our attendees get to introduce themselves and we discuss some of the topics we covered in the refresher class. As we develop this program, we hope to interview people at conferences and other events that have an impact on the asbestos, mold, and OSHA compliance business. In our first episode above, we discussed the different items we are currently discussing in our asbestos refresher courses. In our second episode below, we interviewed John Paciulli of Insight Environmental, Inc., on the new New York State Department of Labor fact sheet on asbestos surveys and

EIA Joins Coalition in Strong Support of the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025

September 28, 2025 No Comments

On September 16, 2025, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act of 2025. This long-overdue legislation finally addresses what many of us in the asbestos and environmental industry have been fighting for decades: a complete ban on asbestos in all its forms. The bill is named in honor of Alan Reinstein, a passionate advocate for asbestos awareness whose legacy continues through the tireless work of his widow, Linda Reinstein, and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). If passed, ARBAN will eliminate all asbestos imports and uses, close the dangerous loopholes left by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) 2024 Risk Management for Asbestos, Part 1: Chrysotile Asbestos rule, and ensure that protections are permanent through law – removing the risk of judicial reversal. The Environmental Information Association (EIA), representing professionals across asbestos abatement and environmental remediation (Future Environment Designs, Inc. (FEDTC) is a proud member of EIA), has proudly announced its strong support for ARBAN. J. Brent Kynoch, Managing Director of EIA, stated: “On behalf of the Environmental Information Association, I express our strong support for the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025. We greatly appreciate the continuing commitment of Congress to finally ban commercial asbestos—a toxic substance our members have worked tirelessly to help manage and remediate for decades. With the passage of ARBAN, the United States will finally join nearly 70 countries that have already taken decisive action to protect public health.” For those of us in the industry, the facts remain painfully clear: asbestos exposure has caused generations of suffering, disease, and death. The scientific consensus is undeniable—there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Yet in 2025, asbestos remains legal in the United States. ARBAN represents the first comprehensive solution that will

September 11, 2001 – Honoring the Past, Protecting the Present: The World Trade Center Health Program

September 11, 2025 No Comments

September 11, 2001, is a day that remains etched in all our memories. The tragic events at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, PA, changed our nation forever. But beyond the immediate loss of life, another tragedy unfolded quietly in the months and years that followed – tens of thousands of responders, survivors, and community members began experiencing serious health problems directly related to their 9/11 exposure. That’s why the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, managed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), is so critical. Established to provide medical monitoring and treatment, this program continues to serve those whose health was compromised by their bravery or simply by their presence in lower Manhattan during and after 9/11. Today, more than 127,000 members are enrolled, including over 83,000 responders and 44,000 survivors. Who is Eligible? Eligibility is broader than many realize. You may qualify if you: Worked, lived, or went to school or daycare in the NYC disaster area between 9/11/01 and mid-2002. They were present in the dust cloud on 9/11. Performed rescue, recovery, cleanup, or related work at Ground Zero, the Staten Island Landfill, PATH tunnels, barge loading piers, the Pentagon, or Shanksville. Even indirect roles—such as site security, administrative support, providing supplies, or working with the Medical Examiner’s Office—count toward eligibility. Covered Health Conditions The WTC Health Program recognizes and treats a wide range of certified WTC-related health conditions, including: Respiratory diseases: asthma, chronic cough, sinusitis Digestive disorders: GERD, chronic acid reflux Mental health conditions: PTSD, anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping Cancers linked to toxic exposures Acute traumatic injuries sustained during response work Many survivors and responders still don’t realize their health issues—persistent cough, runny nose, chronic heartburn, or ongoing anxiety—may be related to their 9/11 exposure. Where to Get Care

OSHA’s Proposed Asbestos Respirator Changes Raise Important Safety Concerns

August 8, 2025 No Comments

As someone who has spent decades navigating the complexities of asbestos regulations, we recognize that clarity, practicality, and worker protection must be at the core of any regulatory update. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) recent proposal to revise certain respirator-related provisions within the asbestos construction standard (29 CFR 1926.1101) attempts that but it’s important for all of us in the industry to carefully evaluate how these changes impact worker protection, especially concerning respirator requirements. Three proposed changes stand out to us as potentially problematic: 1. Removing the HEPA Filter Requirement For decades, HEPA filters have been the gold standard for respirators, protecting workers from asbestos fibers. The current OSHA standard mandates HEPA filters (P100 filters) on all powered and non-powered air-purifying respirators to ensure maximum filtration efficiency. OSHA’s proposal to eliminate this specific HEPA filter requirement, citing updated National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) certification standards (42 CFR part 84), raises questions. While newer filter types may meet certification requirements, HEPA filters’ proven reliability and high filtration efficiency have been foundational in asbestos protection. The risk here is that removing the HEPA filter mandate could lead to the use of less effective filters (N95s) or confusion over filter equivalency, ultimately compromising worker safety. The asbestos hazard is too severe to accept any uncertainty about filter performance. 2. Replacing Supplied-Air Respirators with PAPRs Current OSHA standards require supplied-air respirators (SARs) operated in pressure-demand mode with an auxiliary positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) backup for exposures exceeding 1 (one) fiber per cubic centimeter (f/cc). The proposed change to this section would replace the specific respirator requirement (SAR/SCBA, with an Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of 1,000) with a requirement to provide a respirator with a minimum APF of 1,000. That would include a full-face Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

Still Not a #BanAsbestos: Over 40 Years in the Asbestos Industry and the Ongoing Fight for Real Change

July 4, 2025 No Comments

As we celebrate our country’s 249th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, recent events have caused us to spend some time reflecting on 37 years of business, and 43 years in the asbestos industry where we started, what’s changed, and what hasn’t. Back then, we relied on beepers, phone cards, and typewriters to keep the wheels turning. New York City Department of Environmental Protection’s (NYCDEP’s) “Not an Asbestos Project Form ACP5s” had to be ordered and picked up at NYCDEP and were typed by hand. Manuals were several inches thick, and navigating them required patience—and maybe a magnifying glass. Today, we have digital manuals, searchable PDFs, online filing systems (see our Training Library), smartphones that connect us instantly, and ACP5s that are filed online. Yet despite all the technology and efficiency, the core of our work hasn’t changed: workers still need respirators, still need to take showers after abatement, still need negative pressure in the containment area, and still need to wet materials to keep dust down. The tools have evolved, but the risks and the protocols remain stubbornly the same. And the biggest constant of all? Asbestos is still here. When we first opened our doors, people told us the asbestos problem would be solved in 5 or 10 years. That was the thinking at the time—because how could a substance so toxic, so dangerous, remain legal in any form? (see our blog post “Future Environment Designs Celebrates 30 Years in Business in October. What the heck is SNUR?”). Yet here we are, over 40 years later, and we’re still talking about it. Not only has asbestos not been banned, but what we’re now calling a “ban” – specifically, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Part 1 Final Rule on Chrysotile Asbestos – isn’t a ban at

Day Two at the PACNY Environmental Conference: Industry Insight, Asbestos Updates, and DOL Dialogue

May 29, 2025 No Comments

The second day of the 2025 Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) 28th Annual Environmental Conference at Turning Stone Resort and Casino built on the momentum of Day One, delivering another impressive lineup of speakers, powerful insights, and meaningful conversations that underscored the challenges — and opportunities — in our industry. The morning opened with a “PACNY – State of the Union” address delivered by PACNY President Kevin Hutton and Vice President Russell C. Vent. Their presentation outlined the association’s accomplishments over the past year, current legislative concerns, and PACNY’s continued commitment to environmental and worker safety advocacy. Their remarks reinforced PACNY’s role as a vital voice for our industry, especially in times of shifting regulatory landscapes. BJ Fungaroli makes several points about why the Asbestos Industry has 125+ yearsNext up was our Keynote Speaker, BJ Fungaroli, President/CEO of Environmental Holdings Group, LLC, who gave a compelling presentation on “The State of the Asbestos Industry.” BJ didn’t hold back — and he didn’t sugarcoat things either. According to him, the asbestos industry isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, BJ emphasized that we’re looking at another 125+ years of work, oversight, and regulation, due to the enormous volume of asbestos still present in our building stock and infrastructure. His presentation was a stark reminder of the long-term responsibility that asbestos professionals must continue to shoulder. BJ Fungaroli discussing automation of the Asbestos Industry Following BJ’s keynote, Linda Reinstein, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, and Brent Kynoch, Environmental Information Association presented “The State of the Asbestos Ban.” Their presentation clarified where things currently stand with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency‘s (EPA’s) risk evaluation process. While we’ve seen progress with Part 1: Chrysotile asbestos, the bigger challenge lies ahead with Part 2: The Supplemental Evaluation, which will include legacy uses and associated disposal of asbestos-containing materials. This upcoming phase could have far-reaching implications for how asbestos is regulated and managed across the U.S. Because of EPA’s footdragging regarding banning all forms of asbestos it is even more important to

A Bitter Birthday: Celebrating NIOSH’s Legacy Amid Uncertain Times

April 28, 2025 No Comments

Today, April 28, marks the anniversary of the day NIOSH first opened its doors in 1971, following the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Congress created NIOSH — the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health — to “assure so far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions.” For more than half a century, NIOSH has stood as a cornerstone of worker protection. Its research has helped shape critical safety standards for asbestos, silica, lead, heat stress, mental health, and countless other hazards across industries. From construction sites to healthcare settings, from manufacturing floors to environmental consulting offices, NIOSH’s work has been integral to safeguarding the health and lives of American workers. But this year’s celebration is bittersweet — and frankly, alarming. In a stunning and deeply concerning move, mass layoffs have gutted key NIOSH research and education programs. Overnight, the agency’s capacity to investigate workplace hazards, develop scientific guidelines, and educate the next generation of safety professionals has been drastically reduced. The consequences of this cannot be overstated. Without NIOSH’s leadership: Standards for silica, a deadly airborne hazard linked to silicosis and lung cancer, are now at risk of stagnating. Protections against lead exposure, which affects the brain and nervous system, could weaken. Efforts to address heat-related illness, a growing crisis as climate change intensifies, are left vulnerable. Momentum around mental health in the workplace, a long-ignored pillar of occupational safety, may lose critical support just when it’s finally gaining ground. Occupational safety and health cannot afford to stand still — and it certainly cannot afford to move backward. Every advance we’ve made — every reduced injury rate, every improved standard, every saved life — was built on a foundation of science, research, and proactive leadership.

Asbestos Floor Tile Debate Results

July 12, 2017 8 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,

New York State Mold Licensing & Minimum Standards Law Is Signed By Governor Cuomo

February 7, 2015 7:39 am

On January 29, 2015 Governor Andrew Cuomo signed New York State Senate Bill S3667D-2013 which will create Article 32 to the Labor Law. This article

NYS Asbestos Project Designer Refresher

another great class as always

Vincent B May 5, 2026

NYS Mold Assessment Initial

Very informative, I highly recommend. Angelo did a great Job

Peter G May 1, 2026

NYS Mold Abatement Worker Initial

I appreciate how Mr Angelo teaches ,fully deatailed an easy to understand

Garrete S May 1, 2026

Elearn - Asbestos Awareness

Enjoyed factoids and comic strip inserts to keep things entertaining

Matthew M May 1, 2026

The course was great I learned so much from Angelo and I feel confident and ready to head into the field

Brian g April 30, 2026

Future Environment Designs Training Center

Future Environment Designs, Inc. Celebrates 37 Years in Business With a New Program Called “After The Refresher”

EIA Joins Coalition in Strong Support of the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025

September 11, 2001 – Honoring the Past, Protecting the Present: The World Trade Center Health Program

OSHA’s Proposed Asbestos Respirator Changes Raise Important Safety Concerns

Still Not a #BanAsbestos: Over 40 Years in the Asbestos Industry and the Ongoing Fight for Real Change

Day Two at the PACNY Environmental Conference: Industry Insight, Asbestos Updates, and DOL Dialogue

A Bitter Birthday: Celebrating NIOSH’s Legacy Amid Uncertain Times

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Asbestos Floor Tile Debate Results

New York State Mold Licensing & Minimum Standards Law Is Signed By Governor Cuomo

Future Environment Designs, Inc.

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

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