Once airborne, small asbestos fibers can be inhaled and cause a number of health problems, including scarring of lung tissue and cancer. When it is mixed with other materials and left undisturbed, asbestos is harmless. The AQMD is responsible for setting regulations regarding the handling and disposal of asbestos. During the renovation of the Terrace Food Court, tile had to be torn up, increasing the danger of the asbestos becoming airborne. Although the likelihood of asbestos in the adhesive becoming airborne was remote, the area had to be sealed off and carefully monitored as the tile and adhesive were removed.
Asbestos removal is an expensive process.
Materials with asbestos can only then be handled by specially-trained, licensed contractors. During the process, the air is continually tested for airborne particles. Any asbestos that may remain under the floor in Ackerman poses no health risk, as long as it is covered by the tile, Otavka said. According to Greenwood, asbestos cannot be avoided. In addition to materials in older buildings, people are exposed to airborne asbestos every day from the brake pads on cars.