Asbestos Containing Material Overview
Asbestos Containing Material
Asbestos containing material (ACM) refers to any material containing more than 1% asbestos by weight. These materials were widely used in construction and manufacturing throughout the 20th century due to asbestos's desirable properties. ACM can be found in numerous building components and products.
Common Types of ACM
There are two main categories of asbestos containing materials: friable and non-friable. Friable ACM can be easily crumbled by hand pressure, releasing fibers into the air. Examples include thermal insulation, spray-on fireproofing, and acoustic ceilings. Non-friable ACM, such as vinyl floor tiles and asbestos cement products, are more resistant to fiber release when intact.
Other common ACMs include roofing materials, pipe insulation, textured paints, and appliance components. Automotive parts like brake pads and clutch facings often contained asbestos. Even some household items like ironing board covers and hairdryer insulation were made with asbestos materials.
Health Risks and Regulations
The primary health risk from ACM occurs when materials are disturbed during renovation, demolition, or deterioration. Released asbestos fibers can be inhaled and become lodged in the lungs, leading to serious diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. The latency period between exposure and disease manifestation can be decades.
Modern regulations require proper identification and management of ACM in buildings. The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and other regulations mandate asbestos inspections in schools and public buildings. OSHA standards protect workers who may encounter ACM during their work.
Proper ACM management includes regular inspections, maintenance of intact materials, and professional abatement when necessary. Homeowners should always assume materials might contain asbestos in buildings constructed before 1980 and seek professional testing before any disturbance. Awareness and proper handling are key to preventing asbestos exposure.