What action should be taken when asbestos is discovered during a renovation?

When asbestos is discovered during a renovation, the appropriate action is to stop work immediately and consult a licensed asbestos professional. This is crucial because asbestos can pose serious health risks when disturbed, leading to the release of hazardous fibers into the air. These fibers can be inhaled and cause long-term respiratory issues and diseases like asbestosis or mesothelioma.

Consulting a licensed asbestos professional ensures that the asbestos is assessed and managed correctly according to safety regulations. This often involves a thorough inspection, risk assessment, and potentially the implementation of remediation strategies to safely remove or encapsulate the asbestos material. Proper handling by trained professionals minimizes the risk of exposure to both workers and occupants of the building.

The other options neglect the potential dangers associated with asbestos. Continuing work as planned fails to address the health risks, while covering the asbestos may not effectively manage the problem and could inadvertently disturb it later. Ignoring the asbestos due to it not being visible can also lead to unsafe working conditions, as undisturbed asbestos can still pose a risk if disturbed by future activities. This underlines the importance of immediate action and expertise in handling asbestos situations.