Under Maryland law, when is immediate abatement of asbestos required?

Immediate abatement of asbestos is required under Maryland law when it poses an imminent health risk. This principle is derived from the understanding that asbestos exposure can have significant and potentially life-threatening health effects, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. If an asbestos-containing material is determined to be in a condition that threatens the health and safety of individuals, immediate action must be taken to remove or remediate the material to prevent exposure.

The other scenarios do not inherently require such urgent action. For instance, the presence of asbestos in a minor repair project, while it may necessitate attention, does not automatically indicate a health risk that warrants immediate abatement. Similarly, asbestos that is undamaged and shows no signs of deterioration does not pose an imminent danger, thus making immediate removal unnecessary. Discovering asbestos during routine inspections provides an opportunity for assessment and planning rather than the need for immediate action unless a risk has been identified. Therefore, the law rightly emphasizes that immediate abatement is necessary only when a situation presents an imminent health threat.