Which material requires abatement, encapsulation, or removal when present?

• A. Radon Gas
• B. Lead-Based Paint
• C. Asbestos
• D. Toxic Mold

Answer: (C)

The material that requires abatement, encapsulation, or removal when present is asbestos. Asbestos fibers, if disturbed, can become airborne and inhaled, posing serious health risks. Because of that risk, regulations mandate active intervention to remove or seal the asbestos-containing material (abatement or encapsulation) or to physically remove it from the building. Encapsulation coats the material to prevent fiber release, while removal eliminates the hazard entirely.

Radon is typically addressed with mitigation systems that reduce gas entry or concentration, not encapsulation. Toxic mold is handled through remediation to remove contamination and fix moisture sources, rather than a standard requirement for abatement or encapsulation. Lead-based paint can also be abated or encapsulated, but asbestos is the classic material specifically associated with these three intervention options.