R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-24.5-3: Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health and public interest by prohibiting, limiting, and regulating the use of and to require the abatement of asbestos and asbestiform materials that are a danger to the public health. The removal of asbestos and asbestiform materials that are a danger to the public health from all public buildings is declared to be the goal of the state of Rhode Island.