New York State Asbestos Investigator Practice Exam

When should miscellaneous materials be collected under AHERA?

1. When they are likely to be disturbed

2. Only when they are completely damaged

3. When they are in poor condition

4. When a building is being remodeled

The correct answer is: When they are likely to be disturbed

Collecting miscellaneous materials under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) should be done when these materials are likely to be disturbed. This is because the risk of asbestos exposure increases significantly when materials that may contain asbestos are disturbed through activities such as renovation, demolition, or even routine maintenance. Disturbance can release asbestos fibers into the air, posing health risks to occupants and workers. By collecting samples before any disturbance occurs, proper assessments can be made to determine the presence of asbestos and ensure appropriate safety measures are implemented to protect public health. The other scenarios—such as collecting materials only when they are completely damaged, when they are in poor condition, or when remodeling a building—do not account for the proactive approach emphasized by AHERA. Each of these situations may indicate potential hazards; however, the priority is to act before disturbances happen to prevent exposure effectively. Therefore, the correct approach is to be vigilant and take samples when there’s a likelihood of disturbance.