Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM) refers to any material or product containing more than one percent asbestos. Asbestos, used for its strength and heat-resistant properties, is harmful when inhaled, leading to serious health problems such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was once commonly used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. While its use has declined since the late 20th century due to health concerns, the presence of asbestos in older buildings remains a significant issue due to its potential health risks.
Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM) refers to products that include asbestos, a mineral fiber that has been widely used in building materials due to its durability and resistance to heat. However, the use of asbestos has generally been prohibited since the early 1980s due to health risks.
Detrimental condition refers to environmentally negative or hazardous substances within real estate that can affect property value, safety, and habitability.
Encapsulation in real estate refers to the process of covering or enclosing hazardous materials to prevent the release of dangerous substances into the environment or to minimize exposure hazards. It is commonly used for materials like asbestos and lead paint in older buildings, offering a safer and often more cost-effective alternative to removal.
"Friable" refers to materials—most importantly asbestos—that can be easily crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. When asbestos is in a friable state, it releases fibers or particles into the air, which can then be inhaled or ingested, posing significant health risks, such as lung diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma.
In the context of real estate and building materials, nonfriable typically refers to materials, specifically asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), that are in good condition and do not easily crumble to release fibers when handled.
