Effect on Category I Materials: Nonfriable Asbestos and ACM

The asbestos NESHAP does not require the removal of Category I nonfriable asbestos-containing materials (ACM) that is not in poor condition and not friable prior to building implosions. Normal implosion techniques do not cause nonfriable materials to become RACM.

The destruction of buildings during military target practice is considered to be another form of explosive demolition.

Category I materials may remain in place during target practice. However, if it can be expected that the building and ACM will burn as a result of explosive demolition, the ACM must be removed prior to demolition.

Recent examination of asbestos-containing floor tiles and roofing materials contained in a large building demolished by implosion revealed that the floor tile was in fair to good condition and had not become friable.

Tiles had been broken up into small quantities of large pieces as the individual floors collapsed upon each other. The roofing materials were similarly affected; they too remained nonfriable following demolition by implosion.

EPA does not consider Category I material to be RACM as a result of building implosions. If, however, Category I materials are to be subjected to sanding, grinding, cutting, or abrading after demolition, they must be treated as RACM and be removed from the building before demolition.