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, 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 Air and Noise Regulations are made by Environmental Health Office hazards inspectors and APCC staff.
Asbestos Abatement Project Permits
All asbestos removal or repair projects in Boston require a permit issued by the Environmental Health Office. While it is not against the law to have asbestos in good condition present in a building, defective or damaged asbestos materials must be either repaired or removed by a licensed contractor working under a permit. The Environmental Health Office also performs inspections of buildings if there is a complaint of unsafe asbestos materials present.
Asbestos Documents
Businesses, residential property owners, or abestos contractors can download the following documents for their use and submittal to the the Environmental Health Office.
Asbestos
Asbestos Regulations
Abestos Application and Residential Sensitive Facilities
Asbestos Permit Application Commercial Notice
Asbestos Permit Instructions
Instructions on which types of Asbestos permit to submit
Asbestos Permit Fee Calculation
Instructions for Emergency Asbestos abatement projects
Instructions for use of Asbestos workers from temporary agency
Instructions for the removal of Asbestos shingles/Siding
Body Art Establishment
Body Art Establishment are licensed establishments in Boston where the practice of tattoing,piercing and permanent cosmetics can be performed.
Body Art Establishment Permits and Practitioner Licenses
For the protection of the public health, places for the practice of tattooing, piercing, and other body art requires a permit from the Environmental Health Office. Persons performing Body Art in Boston require a practitioner’s license from the Environmental Health Office.
Body Art Regulations
Body Art Guidelines
Body Art Application Instructions
Body Art Practioner License Application
Body Art Establishment Permit Application
Tanning Facilities
Tanning devices (beds, lamps, etc.) present a number of special health concerns to the public who use them. They can contribute to an increased risk of developing skin cancer; may cause adverse reactions in people taking certain medications, who have eaten certain foods, use some types of cosmetics, or who have specific medical conditions; and improper maintenance and use could lead to physical injuries (burns, etc.) or the spread of illnesses.
The Environmental Hazards Program of the BPHC implements and enforces the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Regulations governing the operation of facilities that provide tanning services. These regulations set requirements for safety procedures, warning signs, and restrictions on who can use or operate tanning equipment. In order to provide tanning services in the city of Boston, a business must meet all the requirements of these regulations and apply for, and receive, a tanning facility permit from the Environmental Hazards Program. For more information you can contact Thomas Plant at the Environmental Hazards Office at 617-534-5966 for more information.
Tanning Facility Regulations
Tanning Applications
Tanning Inspection Checklist
Tanning Warning Sign
Indoor Sakting Rink Air Quality
The Environmental Health Office enforces the MA Department of Public Health Indoor Ice Skating Rink Regulations in Boston. Every operator of an ice skating rink in Boston using ice surfacing equipment that utilizes fossil fuels (zamboni) must apply for and receive a permit from the Environmental Health Office
Ice Rink Regulations
Junkyards/Solid Waste/Recycling/Container Storage Lot
Solid Waste facilities (transfer stations, Incinerators, and Landfills) are regulated through site assignments from the Boston Public Health Commission. Application for Site Assignment is made through the MA Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Health Office. Junk Yards, Container Storage Lots, and Recycling Facilities require a site specific installation permit and an operating permit from the Boston Public Health Commission. Application should be made through the Environmental Health Office.
Junkyard Solid Waste Recycling Container Storage Lot Regulations
Safe Shops ProjectThe Safe Shop Project is an exciting new initiative to create environmental leadership within Boston’s auto body and repair shops. In addition to providing free environmental health trainings every month, the Safe Shop Project also provides a number of other resources geared towards helping shops improve their safety and environmental practices which in turn will help them to become better neighbors.
Safe Nail Salons
Safe Nail Salons is a new program to improve the indoor air quality for nail salon owners, employees, and clients. Safe Nail Salons provides education, training, and other resources to assist shop in improving their indoor air quaility and environmental health practices.
Nail Salon Regulations
All Nail Salons are regulated and licensed through the Boston Public Health Commission, Environmental Heath Office. Nail Salons requires a permit to operate their business in the City of Boston.
Nail Salon Regulations
Nail Salon Permit Application
Nail Salon Guidelines
Nail Salon Guidelines in Vietnamese
Nail Salon Regulation Training
Nail Salon Regulation Training in Vietnamese
Nail Salon Ventilation Form
Nail Salon Public Health Notice