What is the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos?
Friable asbestos is any asbestos-containing material that when dry, can be easily crumbled or pulverized to powder by hand. Material that contains more than just 1% asbestos and is friable is considered to be Regulated Asbestos-Containing Material (RACM). Some common examples of friable asbestos found in facilities are acoustic ceilings and tiles, certain types of plasters, wallboard, joint compound or “mud” and thermal insulation for water heaters and pipes. Although use of asbestos in these products was banned by 1978 those already in the marketplace remained on the shelves and were used in construction for many years after. They are still commonly found. Non-friable asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are not regulated because it contains a binder or hardening agent such as cement, asphalt, or vinyl. Examples of ACM are roofing shingles, vinyl asbestos floor tiles and transite siding made with cement. ACM products are still being manufactured today. The danger with this type of mate
