Asbestos is strictly regulated by both EPA and OSHA because it can cause a variety of serious health issues. Nevertheless, asbestos-containing materials (ACM) have been widely used for fire resistance and insulation in building construction.

ACM is most commonly found in insulation, resilient flooring (tiles), siding shingles, cement products, and roofing products.

Asbestos NESHAP requires those involved in renovation and demolition activities to control emissions of asbestos. The primary method used to control asbestos emissions from such activities is to adequately wet the ACM with a wetting agent. EPA defines "adequately wet" to mean "sufficiently mix and penetrate with liquid to prevent the release of particles."

Under NESHAP, ACM must be adequately wet during the following activities:

• Cutting or disjoining operations-such as removing a boiler or section pipe without removing asbestos insulation.
• Stripping operations-the most common form of asbestos removal.
• ACM from stripping must remain adequately wet until collected and contained.
• Before demolition if ACM has not been removed:
• Exposed concrete or similar hard material must be adequately wet.
• If inaccessible and unsafe to remove, ACM must be adequately wet at all times.
• Portions of the facility containing ACM must be adequately wet during the wrecking operation.

ACM waste must be kept adequately wet during handling and loading for transport to the disposal site.