Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 2 Exam Practice

Which asbestos fact is correct?

1. Friable asbestos is safer than non-friable asbestos

2. Asbestos is considered a material defect because it can be observed with the naked eye

3. Asbestos offers excellent thermal insulation properties

4. Only significant quantities of asbestos fibers in the air pose a health risk

5. Asbestos is no longer a concern in modern construction

6. All forms of asbestos are equally harmless

The correct answer is: Asbestos offers excellent thermal insulation properties

Asbestos offers excellent thermal insulation properties, which is why it was commonly used in construction in the past. However, this does not mean that it is safe. In fact, asbestos fibers are hazardous and can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Option A is incorrect because both friable and non-friable asbestos can release fibers into the air if disturbed. Option B is incorrect because asbestos is not always visible and may require specialized testing to detect. Option D is incorrect because even small amounts of asbestos fibers can be dangerous to one's health. Option E is incorrect because asbestos-containing materials may still be present in older buildings and require proper removal and abatement processes. Option F is incorrect because all forms of asbestos, including chrysotile (white), amosite (brown), and crocidolite (blue), have been identified as carcinogens by the World Health Organization.