What is an important aspect of a penetrating encapsulant?

An important aspect of a penetrating encapsulant is that it prevents fiber release by binding components together. This type of encapsulant is designed to infiltrate the material, forming a cohesive bond that enhances the integrity of the substrate containing asbestos fibers. By binding the fibers and creating a barrier, it reduces the potential for fiber release into the air, which is a crucial factor in controlling exposure to airborne asbestos. This makes it an effective solution for managing asbestos-containing materials in a safe manner, ensuring that the fibers do not become dislodged or airborne, which could pose health risks.

Other aspects, like the notion that it serves only as a temporary solution or that it is intended for cleaning, do not align with the primary function of a penetrating encapsulant. These alternatives do not accurately reflect the encapsulant's role in maintaining safety and stability of asbestos-laden materials. The property of not bonding fibers is also misleading, as one of the essential capacities of this encapsulant is to create strong bonds that mitigate fiber release.