What is an indicator of significant damage in materials under AHERA?

Visible deterioration affecting material integrity is a strong indicator of significant damage in materials as defined under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). This kind of visible damage signals that the materials may be releasing asbestos fibers, increasing the potential risk of exposure. The integrity of materials containing asbestos is crucial for ensuring safety; when this integrity is compromised, it typically necessitates further inspection and possible remediation.

While other aspects, such as the presence of moisture, historical damage reports, or regular wear and tear, can be relevant to the state of asbestos-containing materials, they do not serve as direct indicators of significant damage per AHERA guidelines. Moisture may contribute to deterioration but does not independently indicate damage. Reports of past damage could be informative but don’t reflect the current condition of materials. Similarly, regular wear and tear might be expected in many materials, but it does not automatically signify significant damage that warrants immediate action or concern about asbestos exposure. The focus under AHERA is primarily on visible signs of damage that could lead to fiber release, making the first indicator the clearest for assessing risk.