What is the EPA definition of friable asbestos-containing material (ACM)?

• A. An asbestos-containing material that can be crumbled or crushed by hand pressure
• B. An asbestos-containing material that cannot be crumbled by hand pressure
• C. A non-asbestos-containing material
• D. An asbestos-containing material that dissolves in water

Answer: (A)

Friable means the material can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when it is dry. This quality makes asbestos fibers easily release into the air during handling, posing a higher exposure risk. That’s why the EPA definition focuses on the dry state and the ability to crumble with ordinary hand pressure. Materials that cannot be crumbled by hand pressure are considered non-friable and generally pose a lower immediate risk unless they’re damaged or disturbed. The other options don’t fit because dissolving in water isn’t part of friability, and a non-asbestos-containing material isn’t ACM at all.