Glossary
Friable
Material that, when dry, can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. Friable ACM is the most regulated category of asbestos-containing material.
Friable describes a material that, when dry, can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. EPA uses this definition under the NESHAP rule (40 CFR 61.141) and AHERA.
Friable ACBM is the most regulated category of asbestos-containing building material because the fibers are easily released into the air. Surfacing material that’s deteriorating, damaged thermal system insulation, and any ACM that’s been disturbed are typically friable.
Non-friable material can become friable through the forces of demolition or renovation. A non-friable vinyl asbestos floor tile that gets broken with a chisel produces friable debris. NESHAP’s RACM definition explicitly includes Category I non-friable ACM that has been crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder.
Friability is determined at the time of removal, not at the time of original installation.