Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor Practice Exam

According to NESHAP regulations, which materials must be disposed of as asbestos-containing waste?

1. Clean wood waste

2. Removed ACM acoustical ceiling plaster

3. Contaminated construction debris

4. General solid waste

The correct answer is: Removed ACM acoustical ceiling plaster

The correct choice highlights that removed ACM (asbestos-containing material) acoustical ceiling plaster must be disposed of as asbestos-containing waste due to its definition and classification under NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) regulations. These regulations specifically target materials that are known to contain asbestos and establish guidelines for their safe handling, storage, and disposal to protect public health and the environment. Asbestos is a hazardous material that poses significant health risks, including lung disease and cancer when fibers become airborne. Therefore, the removal process and disposal of any materials containing asbestos must adhere strictly to established protocols to prevent contamination and exposure. In contrast, clean wood waste, contaminated construction debris, and general solid waste do not fall under the NESHAP criteria for asbestos-containing materials. Although contaminated construction debris may include hazardous materials, it does not automatically categorize it as asbestos-containing unless it specifically contains ACM. Similarly, clean wood waste and general solid waste do not contain asbestos and are managed through regular solid waste disposal methods. Thus, only ACM, such as the acoustical ceiling plaster mentioned, is subject to the stringent disposal regulations set forth by NESHAP.