What structural feature can contribute to disturbances in asbestos material?

The installation or renovation of plumbing or HVAC systems can significantly disturb asbestos materials that may be present in older buildings. Asbestos was commonly used in various building materials, including insulation, floor tiles, and ductwork, especially in structures built before the 1980s. When renovations are undertaken in these areas, workers may unintentionally disturb and release asbestos fibers into the air.

When plumbing or HVAC systems are renovated, it can involve tearing out walls, ceilings, or floors, all of which may contain asbestos insulation or other materials. This disturbance poses a health risk, as inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to serious respiratory diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct thorough inspections and take appropriate safety measures, such as abating or encapsulating asbestos, prior to any work being done in these areas of a building.

The other options, although they may involve some level of disturbance to the environment, generally do not pose the same risk of disturbing asbestos materials as comprehensive renovations of plumbing or HVAC systems. For instance, painting walls or replacing windows usually does not involve working with materials that are typically associated with asbestos.