Friable asbestos is easily crumbled or pulverized material containing over 1% asbestos, such as acoustic ceilings, plaster, and thermal insulation. Asbestos-containing nonfriable material (ACM) is not regulated but can pose a danger during construction or combustion. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause cancer or asbestosis. Consult a licensed expert for testing and removal. Asbestos must be removed before demolition. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material used in construction until its dangers were discovered in the 1970s.
Friable asbestos is a term used to describe any material containing asbestos which, once dry, can be easily crumbled or pulverized by hand. Material that contains more than 1% asbestos and is friable is considered regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM).
Some common examples of friable asbestos are acoustic ceilings and tiles, many types of plaster, wallboard, joint or “mud” and thermal insulation for water heaters and pipes. Although the use of asbestos in these products has been banned since 1978, those already on the market remained on the shelves and were used in construction for many years afterward. Even today they are commonly found in homes.
Asbestos-containing nonfriable material (ACM) is not regulated because it contains a binder or curing agent such as cement, asphalt or vinyl. Examples of ACMs are asphalt shingles, asbestos-vinyl floor tiles, and concrete siding. ACM products are still in production today. The danger with this type of material is that it can pose the same danger as friable asbestos during remodeling, repairs, or other construction. Combustion of ACM also creates friable asbestos.
When asbestos is crushed, it releases fine particles of microscopic fibers into the air which can remain for very long periods of time. These fibers can be inhaled unknowingly and lodged permanently in the lungs and other body tissues, but symptoms may not appear for 20 years or more. Inhaling the fibers has been linked to cancer and asbestosis, a chronic lung disease similar in symptoms to emphysema. Unfortunately, a safe level of exposure is not known, which is why asbestos remains a concern today.
If you suspect that your home may contain friable asbestos or ACM, you can consult a licensed asbestos expert to conduct a survey of your home and take samples for analysis. If asbestos is found but your home is in good condition, the Air Pollution Control District (APCD) recommends that you leave it while being mindful to avoid damage that could cause the fibers to be released. If you want to remodel or do other repairs, you’ll need to hire a licensed asbestos contractor to remove the material legally and safely. Unfortunately this is quite expensive due to the risk involved and the care that must be taken to get it right. Materials must be wet to eliminate shedding of fibers and dust emission controls such as large special vacuum cleaners are used. The material removed is treated as hazardous waste, must be double bagged and disposed of correctly.
Sweeping, dusting, or using a household vacuum cleaner will only make the fibers become airborne. They will pass through household filters and are not visible to the naked eye.
If a home or building is demolished for any reason, the law requires a licensed asbestos contractor to remove all ACM and friable asbestos before demolition.
Asbestos is a term that covers many types of naturally occurring fibrous materials that are durable, lightweight, and fire resistant, making them a popular choice for construction until the dangers were discovered in the 1970s.
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