Inspections are made upon complaint of exposure to hazardous materials in the air, water, or soil. Inspections may include environmental monitoring using field sampling and analyses instruments. If violations of laws or health hazards are found, the responsible parties are required to take corrective action.
Air Quality Testing
The Environmental Health Office tests indoor air for the presence of high levels of Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Volatile Organic Constituents, Particulate Matter (PM10), Relative Humidity, Temperature, Mold, Mildew, and other potentially unhealthy conditions.
Air and Noise Pollution
The Environmental Health Office represents the Boston Public Health Commission on the Boston Air Pollution Control Commission. Inspections are performed on complaint of violations of the APCC's Air and Noise Regulations that are made by Environmental Health Office hazards inspectors and APCC staff.
Asbestos
The Environmental Health Office also performs inspections of buildings if there is a complaint of unsafe asbestos materials present. Additionally, hazard inspectors inspect and audit abestos abatement and removal projects in the City of Boston.
Body Art Establishments
Environmental hazards inspectors inspect body art establishments in Boston for compliance with the Body Art Regulations for Tattoo and piercing (view regulations).
Indoor Ice Skating Rink and Air Quality
The Environmental Health Office hazard inspectors inspects indoor ice skating rinks for air quality that use fossil fuel l zambonis for ice making.
Tanning Facilities
Hazard inspectors inspect tanning facilities throughout Boston to ensure that they are operating in compliance with the Tanning Facilities.
Junkyards/ Solid Waste/Recycling and Container Storage Lot
Inspections are performed at junkyards, solid waste, recycling centers, and container storage lot to ensure that these businesses are in compliance with the regulations.
Trans Fat
Hazard inspectors perform inspection follow-ups of restaurants and bakeries from referral from the City of Boston Inspectional Services Program to ensure compliance with the Board of Health's Trans Fat regulations.
Filing Complaints
To file a complaint concerning Environmental Health issues:
- Call Environmental Health Office 617-534-5966
- General Information
Information request form and instructions
Boston Environmental Strike Team
The Boston Environmental Strike Team is an interagency unit that comprises of inspectors from the City of Boston ‘s Inspectional Services Department, Environment Department, Law Department, Fire Department, Police Department, Boston Water and Sewer Commission, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, and the Boston Public Health Commission.
The BEST TEAM is an exceptional hallmark of cooperation between departments, which has proven to be an effective tool against City –wide polluters. BEST was created for the purpose of assisting the public welfare and safety by enforcing laws, regulations and city ordinances to provide a clean and healthful environment , free of the effects of illegal dumping of solidwaste and hazardous materials, air pollution, improperly maintained properties and other nuisances that impair Boston’s quality of life.
BEST’s overacrching goals are to bring effective combined criminal and civil prosecution seeking injunctions, fines, and imprisionment against major violators. Where appropriate, BEST acts to bring violations into compliance through education and creative remedial measures. BEST acts to promote environmental justice, safer neighborhoods and a healthier city. It’s achievement is to break through department bureaucracies and to address proactively chronic polluters, illegal dumpers, slum lords and others who violate environmental, building, fire, health and public safety regulations in Boston’s neighborhoods.