Abatement is a broad word for reducing an asbestos risk, and it covers more than removal: encapsulation, enclosure, repair and management all abate a risk without taking anything away. It is used more in North America than in Britain, where contractors usually say removal, remediation or works. That matters when you are reading a quote, because abatement can mean any of four different jobs at four different prices.
The four things it can mean
Removal, taking the material out entirely. Encapsulation, sealing the surface so it cannot release fibres. Enclosure, building a permanent barrier around it. And repair, making good a damaged item so it is sound again. All four reduce the risk. Only one of them produces hazardous waste and a clearance certificate, so a quote that says abatement and nothing more has not said what will happen.
Which one is right
That is the risk assessment's job. Material in good condition and out of the way is usually managed, sealed or enclosed. Material that is damaged, friable or in the path of planned work is usually removed. Removal is itself a disturbance and the moment of highest release, so it is a decision to argue rather than a default.
What to ask a contractor
Ask which of the four they are quoting, what the material is and whether the work is licensable, what happens to the material afterwards, and what document you receive at the end. A removal ends in a consignment note and, for licensable work, a certificate of reoccupation. An encapsulation ends in a register entry and a re-inspection date.
The British vocabulary
If you are searching for contractors here, removal, remediation and licensed asbestos works will find more of them than abatement will. The register this site is built on is HSE's list of licence holders, and the licence covers licensable work with asbestos rather than a word.
Questions people ask about asbestos abatement
Is abatement the same as removal?
Removal is one kind of abatement. Encapsulation, enclosure and repair are others, and they are frequently the better answer.
Why do British contractors not use the word?
Custom rather than law. The regulations talk about work with asbestos, and the trade talks about removal and remediation.
Does abatement need a licensed contractor?
It depends on the material and the work, not on the word. Insulation, sprayed coating and most work on insulating board are licensable however the job is described.