What is one potential risk of disturbing intact asbestos?

Disturbing intact asbestos poses a significant risk primarily because it can lead to the release of hazardous asbestos fibers into the air. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and when its fibers become airborne, they can be inhaled, leading to severe health issues, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

Maintaining the integrity of asbestos-containing materials is crucial; when they remain intact and undisturbed, they pose a much lower risk to health. However, even minor disturbances—such as drilling, sanding, or any activity that causes agitation—can compromise that integrity and result in fiber release. Therefore, recognizing this potential risk emphasizes the importance of following safety guidelines and regulations when working with or around asbestos materials.

The other options suggest lesser immediate risks or consequences that do not directly correlate with the most critical concern regarding asbestos disturbance, which is the health impact from airborne fibers.