Airborne asbestos concentrations were measured before, during, and after removal of asbestos-containing fireproofing at three university buildings. These three abatement studies were not subject to the AHERA regulations and the procedures followed were not necessarily in compliance with AHERA; however, to the extent that the data allowed, post abatement airborne asbestos concentrations were evaluated with the AHERA Z-test. Of the three sites studied, all would have passed the AHERA X-test when the work area asbestos levels were compared to perimeter levels (outside the abatement area but inside the building). Two sites also would have passed the Z-test when work area and outdoor air levels were compared. At one site, contamination of the perimeter area occurred at some point during the abatement project. Had this area been used in the Z-test clearance comparison, a contaminated site would have been falsely released.