New York State Asbestos Investigator Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered a suspect Asbestos Containing Building Material (ACBM) under AHERA?

1. Surfacing material

2. Pressed wood

3. Floor tile and adhesive

4. Fire doors

The correct answer is: Pressed wood

Pressed wood is not considered a suspect Asbestos Containing Building Material (ACBM) under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). ACBM refers to materials that, when disturbed, could release asbestos fibers, which poses a health risk. Surfacing materials, floor tiles and adhesives, and fire doors are commonly identified as ACBM because they can contain asbestos, especially in older buildings. Surfacing material, such as textured coatings or acoustical plaster, is often applied to ceilings and walls and is well-documented as a potential source of asbestos. Similarly, floor tiles and their adhesives were frequently manufactured with asbestos to enhance durability. Fire doors may also contain asbestos as part of their insulation materials to provide fire resistance. While pressed wood products—including particleboard and fiberboard—can be associated with various hazards, they are not typically classified as suspect ACBM under AHERA unless explicitly tested and found to contain asbestos. The focus of AHERA is on materials that are likely to release asbestos fibers during renovation or demolition activities. Therefore, understanding the classification of these materials helps ensure safety and compliance with regulations when managing asbestos in buildings.