What is friable asbestos?

Asbestos-containing materials or products are categorized as friable or non-friable. Friable asbestos products are those that can easily release asbestos fibers. Asbestos is dangerous if the tiny fibers are released and can be inhaled into the lungs. This can happen when asbestos-containing ore or asbestos products are crushed or broken, and the asbestos becomes friable. Some asbestos products were sold in powdered form and mixed with water. The powdered product released dust when the bags were opened and when the product was poured or mixed. Workers have described “clouds of dust” rising from these asbestos products. Other products do not immediately create clouds of dust, but they are relatively soft and can be damaged by the pressure of a hand or foot so that they also release dust. Over time, the products may begin to wear or crumble, allowing asbestos fibers to escape. Some asbestos manufacturers have argued that their products were non-friable—that asbestos fibers were ...  more

Friable asbestos is a term used to describe any asbestos-containing material that when dry, can be easily crumbled or pulverized to powder by hand. Material that contains more than just 1% asbestos and is friable is considered to be Regulated Asbestos-Containing Material (RACM). Some common examples of friable asbestos are acoustic ceilings and tiles, many types of plasters, wallboard, joint compound or "mud" and thermal insulation for water heaters and pipes. Although use of asbestos in these products was banned by 1978 those already in the marketplace remained on the shelves and were used in construction for many years after. They are still commonly found in homes today. Non-friable asbestos-containing material (ACM) is not regulated because it contains a binder or hardening agent such as cement, asphalt or vinyl. Examples of ACM are asphalt roofing shingles, vinyl asbestos floor tiles and transite siding made with cement. ACM products are still being manufactured today. The danger ...  more

Asbestos material that can be crushed, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure, when dry, is referred to as friable asbestos. Asbestos material that does not crush or pulverize under hand pressure, when dry, is referred to as non-friable asbestos. Friable asbestos is of greatest concern, because it has the potential to release fibers to the air and surrounding surfaces where it may then result in human exposure.  more