Effect on Category II Materials

The use of wrecking balls on asbestos-cement (A/C) siding (a Category II nonfriable ACM) on buildings is specifically addressed in the November 1990 asbestos NESHAP revision:

"...the A/C siding on a building that is to be demolished using a wrecking ball is very likely to be crumbled, or pulverized with increased potential for the release of significant levels of asbestos fibers. Such material in this instance should be removed prior to demolition."

Therefore, A/C siding, although a nonfriable material, is considered RACM when a wrecking ball is being used to demolish the structure. Whenever buckets and clamshells are to be swung like wrecking balls, A/C materials should also be considered RACM.

Courtesy of The EPA