For a clean-air clearance sample, what airborne asbestos fiber count does the E.P.A. recommend?

The recommended airborne asbestos fiber count for a clean-air clearance sample, as specified by the EPA, is 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc). This level indicates the maximum allowable concentration of airborne asbestos fibers in a clean air environment following asbestos abatement activities.

Maintaining this limit is vital for ensuring that any residual asbestos does not pose a health risk to individuals in the vicinity, particularly since asbestos exposure has been associated with serious health issues. Setting the threshold at 0.01 f/cc reflects an understanding of the long-term risks of even minimal exposure to asbestos fibers.

Higher counts, such as those presented in the other options, would not align with the stringent safety criteria established for clean environments. Thus, 0.01 f/cc effectively communicates a balance between safety and practical monitoring capabilities in asbestos remediation efforts.