How does wet removal help in controlling asbestos fibers during abatement?

Wet removal is an effective method for controlling asbestos fibers during abatement primarily because it keeps fibers down. When materials containing asbestos are wetted prior to removal, the moisture helps to minimize the release of airborne fibers. The water causes the asbestos particles to adhere to the material and reduces their dispersal into the air. This is crucial during the abatement process since controlling airborne asbestos fibers directly decreases the risk of exposure for workers and occupants in the vicinity.

The other options focus on different methods and outcomes that do not directly relate to the specific effectiveness of wet removal in controlling fiber release. For instance, increasing airflow, while beneficial in certain scenarios like ventilation, does not contribute to minimizing fiber release as effectively as moisture does. Chemical binders might help in some applications where they are used to encapsulate asbestos, but that is not the primary function of wet removal. Similarly, reducing exposure time is a relevant safety measure but does not address the way in which wet removal specifically functions to keep fibers down during the abatement process.