ORS 468A.705: Legislative findings.

The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that:

      (1) Asbestos-containing material in a friable condition, or when physically or chemically altered, can release asbestos fibers into the air. Asbestos fibers are respiratory hazards proven to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis and as such, are a danger to the public health.

      (2) There is no known minimal level of exposure to asbestos fibers that guarantees the full protection of the public health.

      (3) Asbestos-containing material found in or on facilities or used for other purposes within the state is a potential health hazard.

      (4) The increasing number of asbestos abatement projects increases the exposure of contractors, workers and the public to the hazards of asbestos.

      (5) If improperly performed, an asbestos abatement project creates unnecessary health and safety hazards that are detrimental to citizens and to the state in terms of health, family life, preservation of human resources, wage loss, insurance, medical expenses and disability compensation payments.

      (6) It is in the public interest to reduce exposure to asbestos caused by improperly performed asbestos abatement projects through the upgrading of contractor and worker knowledge, skill and competence.