Common uses include fireproofing, spray on ceiling materials, added to building materials to enhance strength, exterior siding, roofing shingles and felts, wallboard, pipe insulation, floor tile, joint compounds and adhesives.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) distinguishes between friable and nonfriable forms of ACM. Friable ACM contains more than 1%% asbestos and can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Other things being equal, friable ACM is thought to release fibers into the air more readily; however, many types of nonfriable ACM can also release fibers if disturbed.