Which of the following is a characteristic of damaged thermal insulation ACM?

Damaged thermal insulation containing asbestos materials (ACM) is characterized by being crushed, punctured, or missing. This condition indicates that the structural integrity of the insulation has been compromised, leading to potential asbestos fibers being released into the environment. When thermal insulation is damaged, it becomes a significant concern for health and safety because airborne asbestos can pose serious respiratory hazards to individuals in the vicinity.

Heat resistance is not a characteristic of damaged ACM; rather, it speaks to the material's intended purpose, which is to provide thermal insulation until compromised. Similarly, if the ACM has structural integrity and remains intact, it is not classified as damaged. Embedded ACM in concrete indicates a condition where insulation might still be contained and less likely to be a source of airborne fibers, assuming the concrete remains intact. Thus, the focus here is on recognizing the physical state of ACM that directly correlates with risk, which is accurately represented by the presence of damage such as crushing or puncturing.