What is one risk of disturbing asbestos-containing materials?

One significant risk of disturbing asbestos-containing materials is exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that, when disturbed, can release tiny, inhalable fibers into the air. These fibers can pose serious health risks if they are inhaled, leading to diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The danger lies in the fact that asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop after exposure, making it crucial to avoid disturbing these materials unless absolutely necessary and only under controlled conditions.

The other choices do not accurately represent the risks associated with asbestos. For example, increasing building aesthetics or the idea of reducing health hazards contradicts the inherent dangers of asbestos. Additionally, wearing proper gear does help to mitigate risks, but it does not eliminate them entirely, as improper disturbance of asbestos can lead to widespread fiber release before any protective measures take effect. Therefore, recognizing the risk of airborne asbestos fibers is essential for anyone working in environments where asbestos may be present.