New York State Asbestos Investigator Practice Exam

Friable asbestos is characterized by its ability to be easily crumbled, powdered, or broken down by hand pressure. This quality significantly increases the risks associated with exposure, as friable asbestos can release airborne fibers that may be inhaled, leading to serious health issues.

The other options do not accurately represent characteristics of friable asbestos. For instance, friable asbestos is not resistant to handling; rather, it's easily disturbed, which contributes to its hazardous nature. Additionally, it is not limited to non-decorative elements; friable asbestos can be found in a variety of products, including insulation materials and ceiling tiles that are often part of decorative features. Lastly, describing friable asbestos as always non-toxic is misleading since exposure to asbestos fibers, regardless of their form, poses significant health risks. Therefore, option B accurately describes the critical characteristic of friable asbestos.