The purpose of amending water is to

The purpose of amending water is to

• A. Increase the surface tension of the water so it wets worse
• B. Decrease the surface tension of the water so it wets better
• C. Add color to the water for visibility
• D. Improve water taste for workers

Answer: (B)

Amending water introduces a wetting agent that lowers surface tension. Water on its own can bead up on certain materials, preventing it from spreading and soaking in. When surface tension is reduced, the water film spreads more easily, increasing contact with surfaces and penetrating into pores and fibers. In asbestos work, this improves dampening of the material and makes dust suppression more reliable, since fibers are more thoroughly wetted and less likely to become airborne. Raising surface tension would worsen wetting, while coloring or taste have no role in dust control.

Amending water introduces a wetting agent that lowers surface tension. Water on its own can bead up on certain materials, preventing it from spreading and soaking in. When surface tension is reduced, the water film spreads more easily, increasing contact with surfaces and penetrating into pores and fibers. In asbestos work, this improves dampening of the material and makes dust suppression more reliable, since fibers are more thoroughly wetted and less likely to become airborne. Raising surface tension would worsen wetting, while coloring or taste have no role in dust control.