Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Certification Practice Exam

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What happens to cement asbestos board that may lead to it becoming friable?

Exposure to air
Mechanical stress from tools
Water damage
Physical handling

The correct answer is: Mechanical stress from tools

The process that can lead to cement asbestos board becoming friable is primarily mechanical stress from tools. When cement asbestos board is subjected to cutting, drilling, or other forms of mechanical manipulation, it can create dust and make the fibers more accessible. This action weakens the structural integrity of the board and can lead to the release of asbestos fibers into the air, which poses a health risk. While exposure to air, water damage, and physical handling may contribute to the degradation of materials over time, it is the direct mechanical stress that significantly compromises the board's structure, making it friable. Therefore, understanding how mechanical stress applies specifically highlights the risk of fiber release and the associated health hazards in working environments that involve asbestos-containing materials.