What is the key difference between friable and non-friable asbestos?

The key difference between friable and non-friable asbestos lies in how easily they can crumble and release asbestos fibers into the air. Friable asbestos is defined as material that can be easily reduced to a powder or crumbled by hand, which means that it is more likely to release hazardous fibers when disturbed. This characteristic poses a significant health risk, as airborne asbestos fibers can be inhaled, leading to serious diseases.

Non-friable asbestos, on the other hand, is more stable and does not break down easily, meaning that it is less likely to release fibers under normal conditions. Non-friable materials typically include products like cement and vinyl flooring, which are bound and encapsulated, thus presenting a lower health risk as long as they remain intact.

In the context of handling and abatement, understanding this distinction is crucial, as friable materials typically require more stringent safety measures to prevent exposure to airborne asbestos fibers.