What does Regulated Asbestos-Containing Material (RACM) include?

Regulated Asbestos-Containing Material (RACM) encompasses a broader scope of materials that contain asbestos and are subject to regulations due to their potential risk to health. This includes both friable asbestos materials, which are easily crumbled or reduced to powder and can release asbestos fibers into the air, and specific types of nonfriable asbestos materials that can become friable under certain conditions.

Friable asbestos materials pose a significant risk because they can easily release harmful fibers when disturbed. Nonfriable materials, on the other hand, are generally more stable, but specific types, particularly those classified as Category 1 nonfriable asbestos that have deteriorated or been damaged to the point where they may release fibers, also fall under the regulations. Hence, RACM includes both categories to ensure comprehensive safety measures are in place to manage the risk associated with all forms of asbestos-containing materials that can be unsafe in various scenarios.

This comprehensive definition is essential for regulatory compliance and public health safety, as it addresses the potential hazards of both types of materials that can contribute to airborne asbestos exposure.