The Legislature finds that:
(a)
Substantial medical and scientific evidence indicates that human exposure to asbestos fibers significantly increases the risk of contracting cancer and other debilitating or fatal diseases, including, but not limited to, asbestosis.
(b)
The Legislature has taken measures to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure for school children and school employees by creating a statewide program to rid schools of asbestos (Chapter 1751, Statutes of 1984).
(c)
Asbestos materials were commonly used in public buildings for fireproofing, soundproofing, decoration, thermal insulation, and other purposes.
(d)
When these materials deteriorate or become loose, damaged, or friable, they release asbestos fibers into the ambient air. This may result in exposure of employees and the public to potentially dangerous levels of asbestos.
(e)
It is vital for the safety of the public to identify the precise location and condition of asbestos materials in public buildings in order to institute abatement and control procedures as needed and to ensure that when repairs or renovations are undertaken that any asbestos materials present are properly handled.