What is the primary goal of asbestos abatement?

The primary goal of asbestos abatement is to minimize health risks from exposure. This practice is essential because asbestos fibers can pose serious health hazards, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, when they are inhaled. Therefore, the main focus during asbestos abatement is to safely remove or contain asbestos-containing materials in a manner that protects workers, building occupants, and the surrounding environment from potential exposure.

Relocating affected individuals may be a necessary part of an asbestos abatement plan, but it is not the primary objective; rather, it aims to keep people safe while remediation work is being conducted. Restoring original building aesthetics could be a positive outcome of abatement, but it is secondary to ensuring safety and reducing health risks. Similarly, reducing costs of remediation might be a consideration in planning and executing abatement projects, but the health and safety of individuals takes precedence over financial factors. Thus, minimizing health risks is the central aim of any asbestos abatement effort.