What is the primary purpose of establishing negative pressure in containment areas?

Establishing negative pressure in containment areas plays a crucial role in preventing contamination from spreading beyond the designated work zone. This is particularly important in scenarios where asbestos or other hazardous materials are being disturbed or removed. Negative pressure creates a vacuum effect that draws air into the containment area without allowing air, and any potential contaminants, to escape into surrounding environments.

By ensuring that the air flows inward, negative pressure helps to contain any asbestos fibers or particles within the work area, reducing the risk of exposure for workers and preventing asbestos from migrating to other areas, which could pose health risks to occupants or the environment.

While proper ventilation can be a factor in maintaining negative pressure, and other considerations like temperature and waste disposal are important in overall site safety and effectiveness, the essential aim of maintaining negative pressure is specifically about controlling contamination. This focus on containment is why "to prevent contamination from spreading" aligns precisely with the primary purpose of utilizing negative pressure in these scenarios.