Asbestos, a Short History

Chapter 17, Indoor Radon Abatement Act and Chapter 19, Healthy High-Performance Schools Act. 

http //www.epa.gov/oppt/asebstos/pubs/ashome.html. 

The only way to determine if a material contains asbestos is to have it tested and analyzed by qualified professionals. In addition to requiring technical expertise to test for asbestos, when samples are incorrectly taken there maybe an increased health risk if fibers are released. Asbestos materials that are intact and in good condition generally do not pose a health risk. The potential for an asbestos containing material (ACM) to release harmful fibers depends primarily on its condition. Dry material that can be crumbled by hand pressure, often referred to as friable ACM, is more likely to release fibers, particularly when damaged. Materials considered nonfriable ACM, such as vinyl-asbestos floor tile, can also release harmful fibers when sanded, sawed, or otherwise disturbed.  

EPA began to identify schools as a potential source of asbestos hazards in the 1970s, and it began a technical assistance program in 1979 to encourage 

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