Asbestos abatement

In construction, asbestos abatement is a set of procedures designed to control the release of asbestos fibers from asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos abatement is utilized during general construction in areas containing asbestos materials, particularly when those materials are being removed, encapsulated, or repaired. Abatement is needed in order to protect construction workers and members of the general public from the many negative health impacts of asbestos.

Many residential and commercial buildings contain asbestos, used in spray-applied flame retardant, thermal system insulation, and in a variety of other materials. Asbestos can be flocked above false ceilings, inside technical ducts, and in many other small spaces where firefighters would have difficulty gaining access. Although asbestos is primarily associated with older buildings in many parts of the world, as asbestos bans have been in place in various countries since 1972, 2 million tons of asbestos were still consumed annually as of 2018.