In which types of buildings should asbestos surveys be conducted?

Asbestos surveys are essential for identifying materials that may contain asbestos, particularly in buildings constructed during times when its use was prevalent. The correct choice pertains to buildings constructed before 1980, and preferably before 1990, because this timeframe aligns with the period when asbestos was commonly used in construction materials such as insulation, floor tiles, and ceiling tiles.

Buildings constructed after 2000 are unlikely to contain asbestos because regulatory controls regarding its use have become more stringent since the late 1970s and early 1980s. Therefore, the risk of encountering asbestos in these structures is minimal.

While it is important to conduct surveys in any building regardless of date under certain circumstances—such as renovations or demolitions—the primary focus of asbestos surveys is on older buildings where the presence of asbestos is more likely. This makes the choice specifying pre-1980 construction particularly relevant.

Lastly, limiting the surveys solely to industrial buildings overlooks the fact that asbestos was also used in residential and commercial settings. This underscores the importance of broadening the survey scope to include all types of buildings constructed before specific regulatory measures were implemented.