Abatement

Description

The reduction or suppression of a hazard to, or below, the level at which it poses a risk. Abatement of toxic and/or damaging materials, such as asbestos, lead paint, or acid fumes, can be done by removal, chemical reaction, or encapsulation of the noxious component. Methods for the abatement of dust during construction include sealing affected areas and minimizing traffic. Additional measures used in exterior areas include spraying loose dirt with water, oil, or magnesium chloride.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Verminderung (Deut.), Senkung (Deut.)

Authority

• Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998