How does fiber release occur with asbestos materials?

Fiber release with asbestos materials primarily occurs when these materials are disturbed, damaged, or degraded. Asbestos fibers are tightly bound within the material when intact and undisturbed. However, any physical disruption, such as cutting, grinding, or impact, can cause these fibers to become airborne. This is particularly dangerous because inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, including lung diseases and cancer.

Safe handling techniques generally aim to prevent disturbance of asbestos materials to minimize the risk of fiber release. Proper storage also focuses on maintaining the integrity of asbestos materials to avoid any potential damage that could cause fibers to become airborne. While water can sometimes be used to suppress fiber release during certain demolition or repair activities, it is not a preventative measure against fiber release in all situations. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the conditions under which fiber release is most likely to happen.