Question 17

Encapsulation of damaged asbestos can be safer than removal.

Encapsulation is often considered a safer approach to managing damaged asbestos because it involves sealing off the material to prevent fiber release, rather than removing it, which can disturb the asbestos and increase exposure risk.

A) Encapsulation of damaged asbestos can be safer than removal.

This statement is correct as encapsulation minimizes the risk of asbestos fibers being released into the air, which can occur during removal. When asbestos is in good condition or only slightly damaged, encapsulating it can effectively manage the hazard while avoiding the additional risks associated with removal procedures.

B) Latex paint should be used to seal damaged sections of asbestos.

This option is incorrect because latex paint is not specifically designed for sealing asbestos. While some coatings can be used for encapsulation, they must be specially formulated for this purpose to ensure they effectively seal the asbestos and prevent fiber release.

C) Most lenders will not provide mortgage funds to homes with asbestos.

This statement is misleading. While some lenders may have concerns about asbestos, many will still provide mortgage funds if the asbestos is managed properly, such as through encapsulation or remediation plans. Thus, this option does not accurately reflect the practices of all lenders.

D) It should be removed from houses and public buildings, regardless of its condition.

This option is incorrect as it fails to recognize that removal of asbestos can be more hazardous than leaving it undisturbed in good condition. Asbestos removal is typically only necessary when the material is damaged or poses a significant risk, making this statement overly broad and potentially unsafe.

Conclusion

Encapsulation is a recognized and often safer method of managing asbestos, particularly when it is not severely damaged. This contrasts with the other options, which either misrepresent effective management practices or present overly simplistic views of asbestos handling that do not consider the risks involved in removal. Therefore, Option A is the only accurate statement regarding asbestos management.