Which of the following factors can influence asbestos fiber concentration in the air?

Which of the following factors can influence asbestos fiber concentration in the air?

• A. Temperature and pressure changes
• B. Wind, humidity, and activities performed in the area
• C. Time of day and geographic location
• D. Type of building materials used

Answer: (B)

The choice that indicates wind, humidity, and activities performed in the area is correct, as these factors can significantly affect the concentration of asbestos fibers in the air. Wind can disperse or concentrate fibers depending on its strength and direction, while humidity can impact the settling of fibers—higher humidity levels may help fibers settle more quickly, reducing airborne concentrations. Additionally, activities such as construction, demolition, or maintenance can disturb asbestos-containing materials, leading to an increase in fiber release into the air. Thus, understanding how these environmental conditions and human actions interact is crucial in asbestos air monitoring. In contrast, while temperature and pressure changes can affect certain airborne particles, they do not have the direct influence on asbestos fiber concentration that the other factors do. The time of day and geographic location may affect air quality in general but are less directly linked to the specific presence of asbestos fibers. Similarly, while the type of building materials used is relevant to identifying potential sources of asbestos, it does not influence airborne concentration in the same dynamic way that wind, humidity, and local activities do.

The choice that indicates wind, humidity, and activities performed in the area is correct, as these factors can significantly affect the concentration of asbestos fibers in the air. Wind can disperse or concentrate fibers depending on its strength and direction, while humidity can impact the settling of fibers—higher humidity levels may help fibers settle more quickly, reducing airborne concentrations. Additionally, activities such as construction, demolition, or maintenance can disturb asbestos-containing materials, leading to an increase in fiber release into the air. Thus, understanding how these environmental conditions and human actions interact is crucial in asbestos air monitoring.

In contrast, while temperature and pressure changes can affect certain airborne particles, they do not have the direct influence on asbestos fiber concentration that the other factors do. The time of day and geographic location may affect air quality in general but are less directly linked to the specific presence of asbestos fibers. Similarly, while the type of building materials used is relevant to identifying potential sources of asbestos, it does not influence airborne concentration in the same dynamic way that wind, humidity, and local activities do.