Material safety data sheets are avilable, should you wish to peruse them. Although typically more expensive than other abatement methods, removal puts an end to the problem by eliminating the source. The federal EPA, OSHA and the CT DPH have many stringent regulations which are designed to control the environmental conditions for the protection of others within the building, as well as the asbestos removal workers, the local environment, and the community. A special detergent-like agent, called a surfactant, is added to the water that is sprayed on the asbestos containing material. This chemical improves the wetting power of the water, and makes it soak into the asbestos faster and more completely than plain water.
Water makes the asbestos fibers less able to become airborne.
The release of fibers is lessened and the fibers that are released into the air will fall rapidly, making their removal easier. Controlled Environment for Removal Removal of asbestos containing material is done only under stringently controlled environmental conditions. One method commonly used to control the removal environment is the use of a negative pressure air filtration system. The primary purpose of the system is to prevent airborne asbestos from escaping outward past the barriers to contaminate the rest of the buildings's air space. All openings which would allow the passage of air are sealed.