What is friable and non-friable asbestos?

Friable asbestos-containing material (commonly abbreviated to ACM) is defined as material containing more than 1% asbestos and it can be crumbled or pulverized by the human hand. Friable ACM is considered to be very dangerous because it releases asbestos fibers into the air. Examples of friable ACM include: acoustical ceiling tiles, roofing felts, some attic/wall insulation, insulation board on walls, pipe coverings, clay-based plumbing putty, flexible connections for ventilation ducts, fuse-box linings, insulation on electrical wires, and spackle, as well as others. Friable ACM is regulated by the federal government because it is more hazardous than non-friable ACM.

Non-friable asbestos-containing material, on the other hand, is defined as material containing more than 1% asbestos that cannot be crumbled or pulverized by the human hand. Non-friable ACM is divided into two categories. Category I includes asbestos packaging, gaskets, resilient floor covering, and asphalt roofing products. Category II includes all non-friable ACM not included in Category I. Examples of non-friable asbestos-containing material include asphalt roofing shingles, roll-roofing, cement roofing shingles or tiles, roof-patching cement (as long as it is pliable), cement sidings, vinyl or asphalt floor tiles, rubber stair treads, and cement pipes, among others.

Non-friable ACM can become friable when the material wears down, usually due to age or weather, and the asbestos fibers are exposed. Category II non-friable ACM is more likely to become friable than Category I non-friable ACM because it is more susceptible to crushing or pulverizing.

Because non-friable ACM is less dangerous than friable ACM, non-friable ACM is not always federally regulated. There are three kinds of non-friable ACM that are federally regulated: Category I non-friable ACM that has become friable, Category I non-friable ACM that will be or has been sanded, ground, cut, or abraded, and Category II non-friable ACM that has been or has a high probability of being pulverized, crumbled, or powdered during demolition or renovation.

In order to find out for sure what kind of asbestos you have in your building or home, contact a licensed asbestos testing company.



Midwest Environmental Control is a licensed asbestos abatement company that has over 30 years of experience in asbestos testing and removal. Contact us for a free quote. (419) 382-9200.