New York State Asbestos Investigator Practice Exam

Category II non-friable materials are defined as:

1. ACM that can be easily rendered friable

2. Any ACM that cannot be rendered friable when dry

3. Material containing asbestos that is completely safe

4. Any ACM that is used in exterior applications

The correct answer is: Any ACM that cannot be rendered friable when dry

Category II non-friable materials refer specifically to asbestos-containing materials (ACM) that cannot be easily rendered friable when dry. This classification is important because it helps to determine the potential risk of exposure to asbestos fibers during building renovations or demolitions. Non-friable materials, by their nature, are more stable and less likely to release asbestos fibers into the air unless they are altered in some manner, such as being damaged or ground up. In this context, the emphasis on the condition of the material being "dry" is crucial because it highlights that under typical conditions, these materials maintain their integrity and pose a lower risk. This characteristic distinguishes them from friable materials, which can be easily crumbled or reduced to dust with hand pressure, thus increasing the risk of airborne asbestos. The other choices do not accurately reflect the characteristics of Category II non-friable materials. While some materials may be safe under certain conditions, the focus of the definition is not about safety but rather about the potential to become friable when dry. Similarly, materials used in exterior applications or those that can be easily rendered friable do not conform to the established definition of Category II non-friable ACM.