What is the primary purpose of asbestos abatement?

The primary purpose of asbestos abatement is to safely remove or encapsulate asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos is a hazardous material known to cause serious health issues, including lung cancer and asbestosis, when its fibers are inhaled. Therefore, the abatement process is crucial for protecting the health of workers and occupants in buildings that contain asbestos.

The abatement process involves either the complete removal of these materials, ensuring they are disposed of safely, or encapsulation, where asbestos materials are treated to prevent the release of fibers into the air. This process is strictly regulated to ensure safety standards are met and to minimize the risk of exposure during removal or encapsulation.

Increasing the value of a property could be a secondary benefit of abatement, since removing hazardous materials often makes a property safer and more attractive to buyers; however, it is not the primary motive. Renovating buildings might occur alongside or after asbestos abatement, but it is not the primary objective. Although improving indoor air quality is a significant outcome of proper abatement practices, the core intention is focused on the safe handling and removal of asbestos itself.