How can asbestos fibers enter the air?

Asbestos fibers can enter the air primarily from the disturbance of asbestos-containing materials. When these materials, which may include insulation, floor tiles, or roofing shingles, are handled, damaged, or disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers can be released into the air. This release poses a risk to health, as airborne asbestos can be inhaled by individuals in the vicinity, leading to serious respiratory conditions.

Natural weathering processes contribute to the breakdown of asbestos-containing materials over time, but they do not actively release the fibers in the same way that human activities, such as renovation or demolition, might. Temperature fluctuations can cause materials to expand and contract, potentially leading to wear and tear, but again, this action is not as direct a means of releasing fibers into the air. Additionally, while animal movements in contaminated areas may disrupt asbestos materials on the ground, they are not a significant pathway for fibers to enter the air compared to human activities that disturb those materials intentionally or unintentionally.