What does friable asbestos refer to?

Prepare for the New York State Asbestos Investigator Exam. Study with comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and detailed explanations. Ace your upcoming test!

Friable asbestos refers to asbestos material that can be easily crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to a powder by hand pressure. This characteristic is significant because friable asbestos poses a higher risk to health and safety, as it can release harmful fibers into the air when disturbed or damaged. Such materials often require special handling and remediation procedures due to the potential exposure to airborne asbestos fibers.

In contrast, intact or non-friable asbestos materials generally remain more stable and do not readily release fibers unless they are significantly damaged or disturbed. Non-friable forms are classified as safer, provided they are maintained and undamaged. The concept of friability is critical in determining the approach to asbestos abatement and management in any environment that may contain asbestos-containing materials.

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