Asbestos is composed of naturally occurring fibrous minerals typically found in rocks and soil. These fibers are extremely small and cannot be seen by the naked eye. Asbestos does not possess an odor either. Asbestos materials fall into two categories: Friable and Non-Friable. Friable asbestos materials can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure or by the forces expected to act upon the material in the course of the demolition or disposal (Puget Sound Clean Air Website). A few examples of friable asbestos materials are asbestos pipe insulation, “popcorn” ceiling texture and sheet vinyl flooring. Non-friable asbestos materials are durable and do not easily break or crumble. These materials keep asbestos fibers trapped as long as they are not disturbed. Examples of non-friable materials include mastic and vinyl floor tiles.

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Although asbestos is not banned in the United States, its use has been limited. Asbestos containing materials still pose a danger to the public because they were widely used in the construction industry to build homes, schools and other structures before the 1980’s. Asbestos served as a fireproofing and strengthening agent in building materials.