What does RACM mean in UNCLASSIFIED

RACM refers to any material or product that contains more than one percent of asbestos fibers. This includes insulation, roofing shingles, siding products, vinyl floor tiles, cement pipes and other related products.

When disturbed, airborne asbestos fibers can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to serious health conditions such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos has been banned in many countries including the United States but can still be found in some older buildings or products. To prevent accidental exposure to asbestos fibers, RACM must be identified and appropriately managed according to regulations set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

RACM may be encountered when renovating older properties or during demolition work on buildings built before 1980. It is also possible for homeowners to encounter asbestos-containing material if they plan on doing repairs or remodeling work on their own homes without professional help.

Any activities involving disturbance of RACM should only take place after proper evaluation and preparation have been made by a certified specialist. It is important that any potentially hazardous materials are properly contained and disposed of in order to protect human health and the environment. Any personnel performing these works must also have received adequate training on how handle moments with asbestos containing material safely.

Generally speaking, property owners are responsible for ensuring that any building materials present do not contain more than 1% asbestos fibers per unit volume of material. Independent testing from qualified professionals labs will allow them identify potential sources of Asbestos Containing Material(RACM). These experts should also be consulted for advice prior to starting any renovation works involving materials suspected contain asbestos.