What is a common environmental health control to reduce exposure to asbestos in homes?

• A. Asbestos removal/encapsulation
• B. Lead abatement/house remediation
• C. Install more carpets
• D. Painted walls more often

Answer: (A)

Exposure to asbestos is dangerous when fibers become airborne and inhaled. In homes that contain asbestos, the most common and effective control is to remove the asbestos-containing material or encapsulate it to prevent fiber release. Removal eliminates the source of exposure, especially for friable materials, and should be done by licensed professionals with proper containment and air monitoring. Encapsulation seals the fibers so they remain in place and aren’t easily released during normal use. These approaches directly reduce the risk of inhaling asbestos fibers. Options like adding more carpets or painting walls don’t specifically address asbestos-containing materials and aren’t reliable controls for this hazard.