What is the primary purpose of a negative air machine in asbestos abatement?

The primary purpose of a negative air machine in asbestos abatement is to prevent airborne asbestos from escaping the work area. This machine creates a negative pressure environment, which ensures that any airborne contaminants, including asbestos fibers, are contained within the designated abatement area and do not disperse into adjacent spaces. By continually drawing air out of the work area and filtering it through high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, the negative air machine effectively removes asbestos fibers from the air before it is released outside the worksite. This is crucial for maintaining safety standards and protecting the health of workers and the surrounding community during the abatement process.

While the other options involve aspects of air quality management and environmental control, they do not directly address the central function of the negative air machine, which is focused specifically on preventing the escape of hazardous materials.