Terms to know

Asbestos Glossary

This page explains common asbestos inspection, testing, and abatement terms in a clear way. If you live in an older home, are planning renovations, or have damaged insulation, tiles, or textured ceilings, this glossary can help you understand reports, scopes of work, and next steps.

Note: This glossary is for education. If you have health concerns, talk with a medical professional.

ACM (Asbestos-Containing Material)

Any material containing more than 1% asbestos by weight.

What It Means:

If a material is ACM, it must be handled with special safety steps so asbestos fibers do not get released into the air.

Asbestos Abatement

The controlled removal, repair, or encapsulation of asbestos-containing materials.

What It Means:

It’s the safe, controlled way professionals handle asbestos—so fibers don’t spread into the air during sealing, repair, or removal.

Vermiculite Insulation

It’s the pebble-like attic insulation that can sometimes contain asbestos, so it should be treated as suspect and left alone until a professional can assess it.

Asbestos Encapsulation

Approved coatings or systems that seal ACM in place when removal is not feasible.

What It Means:

Instead of removing asbestos, a special sealant is applied to lock fibers in place when the material is stable and in good condition.

Friable and non-friable materials

Terms that describe how easily a material can release asbestos fibers. Friable material can be crumbled by hand when dry; non-friable material is more tightly bound.

What It Means:

Friable asbestos breaks apart easily and can release fibers fast. Non-friable materials are usually safer when intact, but become risky if you cut, sand, drill, or damage them.

Mastic

An adhesive used to bond building materials such as vinyl floor tile, sheet flooring, ceiling tiles, wall panels, and other finishes. In older buildings, some mastics may contain asbestos.

Asbestos Glossary

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Asbestos Glossary

Asbestos Related Terms

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