What does the term "friable" refer to in relation to asbestos?

The term "friable" in relation to asbestos describes materials that are easily crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder with minimal pressure. When asbestos is deemed friable, it means that the fibers can be readily released into the air, posing a significant health risk due to inhalation.

This characteristic is crucial for safety assessments, as friable asbestos materials can become airborne more easily than non-friable materials, leading to greater exposure risk for individuals nearby. In contrast, materials that are stable, tightly bound, or chemically treated do not present the same level of risk because they are less likely to release fibers into the air. Understanding the nature of friable asbestos is essential for developing appropriate handling and abatement strategies to safeguard health and safety in environments where asbestos may be present.