Describe a potential environmental consequence of improper asbestos disposal.

Improper asbestos disposal poses significant risks to the environment, with contamination of soil and groundwater being a critical consequence. Asbestos fibers, when released into the environment, can settle in soil or leach into underground water supplies. Groundwater contamination occurs when these harmful fibers infiltrate aquifers, posing serious health risks to communities that rely on these water sources for drinking and irrigation.

Additionally, the presence of asbestos in soil can contribute to long-term environmental degradation, making the area unsafe for both human activities and local ecosystems. Once soil and groundwater become contaminated, clean-up efforts can be extensive, costly, and time-consuming.

The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of improper asbestos disposal. Increased property values would likely decrease due to environmental hazards. Improved air quality is unlikely, as asbestos fibers can become airborne during improper disposal practices, leading to increased exposure risks. The impact on local wildlife populations would depend on various factors, but the primary and most immediate concern with improper asbestos disposal is the contamination of soil and groundwater.