How can exposure to asbestos be prevented?
A. Asbestos exposure can be prevented by maintaining materials in intact and sealed condition. When asbestos must be disturbed, as in renovation and repair operations, a combination of engineering controls (containment and ventilation) and dust suppression methods (wetting and other work practices) can prevent exposure to building occupants and minimize exposure to abatement workers. Q: Is asbestos still being installed in buildings at Harvard? A: With very few exceptions (e.g., specialty high temperature equipment) asbestos-containing materials are no longer installed in Harvard buildings. In addition, many of these building materials are no longer manufactured or distributed in the United States (e.g., fireproofing, thermal insulations, sheet flooring and floor tile, etc.). Q: Should all asbestos be removed from a building? A: No. Regulations require that asbestos-containing materials be maintained in intact and sealed condition. Scientists say that managing asbestos in-place is a pr
