What is the role of the Maryland Asbestos Control Program?

The Maryland Asbestos Control Program plays a crucial role in overseeing and implementing regulations that pertain to asbestos management and safety. This includes not only the administration of laws regarding the proper handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos but also ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines. By enforcing these regulations, the program helps to protect public health and the environment from the dangers posed by asbestos exposure, which can lead to serious health issues such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.

In contrast, the other choices represent functions that are either ancillary to the main focus of the program or are not directly related to its primary responsibilities. Providing asbestos removal services falls outside of the program's mandate, as the program is not tasked with executing removal but rather regulating those who do. While educating the public about asbestos is an important function, it is a secondary role compared to the enforcement of regulations. Conducting surveys in residential areas, although potentially useful, does not directly align with the fundamental objective of ensuring compliance with asbestos regulations and managing health risks associated with asbestos exposure.