Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Certification Practice Exam

How can asbestos floor tile become friable?

1. Through natural deterioration

2. With regular foot traffic

3. Using sandpaper

4. With the use of machinery or power tools

The correct answer is: With the use of machinery or power tools

Asbestos floor tile can become friable primarily when it is physically disturbed or damaged, which is exactly what occurs with the use of machinery or power tools. These tools often create vibrations, heat, and forces that can break down the tile material, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. This is particularly hazardous because once the fibers become airborne, they can pose significant health risks if inhaled. Natural deterioration is typically a slower process that may not immediately result in the friability of the tiles. While regular foot traffic can wear down the surface of the flooring, it generally does not make the material friable unless combined with other factors that cause significant damage. Sandpaper might damage the surface, but it is less likely to render the tile friable compared to power tools that apply more force. Therefore, the combination of force and the nature of power tools makes them especially effective in causing asbestos-containing materials to become friable, leading to a greater potential for health hazards.