Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Certification Practice Exam

In the context of AHERA, which term refers to conditions that require close monitoring but are not immediately hazardous?

1. Moderate disturbance

2. High disturbance

3. No disturbance

4. Significant damage

The correct answer is: Moderate disturbance

The term that refers to conditions requiring close monitoring but not being immediately hazardous is moderate disturbance. This classification is important within the framework of AHERA as it indicates that while there may be some level of concern regarding asbestos materials, the risk is not at a critical level that would necessitate immediate action or intervention. Moderate disturbances typically involve situations where asbestos-containing materials are affected, though the integrity of these materials remains largely intact. For instance, this may occur during minor renovations or repairs where the asbestos is not being actively disturbed to the point of releasing fibers into the air. In such scenarios, ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure that any changes in the condition of the materials are addressed timely to prevent any potential exposure risks. On the other hand, high disturbance scenarios would indicate situations with a greater risk of asbestos fiber release, thus requiring more urgent action. No disturbance pertains to situations where asbestos materials are untouched and stable, while significant damage implies that the asbestos materials are in a dangerous condition, which would require immediate remediation. Understanding these distinctions helps ensure proper risk management and compliance with AHERA guidelines focused on maintaining safe environments in schools and around asbestos.