What is the main purpose of an encapsulant in asbestos management?

The main purpose of an encapsulant in asbestos management is to lock down invisible fibers. Encapsulants are specialized products applied over asbestos-containing materials to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the air. When properly applied, encapsulants create a protective barrier that seals the asbestos fibers, effectively reducing their potential for disturbance and exposure. This is crucial in managing asbestos safety, as it minimizes the risk of inhalation of airborne fibers, which can cause serious health issues.

The other options do not align with the primary function of encapsulants. Eliminating all fibers is not feasible with encapsulation; instead, encapsulation serves to manage asbestos present in a safe manner. Enhancing visibility of the fibers is not a goal of encapsulation, as the focus is on controlling exposure rather than making fibers more apparent. Finally, transforming material into a safer substance would imply a more extensive remediation approach, which encapsulation does not achieve; it merely contains and stabilizes the existing asbestos.