Which of the following is a characteristic of friable asbestos?

Friable asbestos is characterized by its ability to easily crumble and release fibers into the air. This property is significant because when friable asbestos is disturbed, it can generate airborne fibers that pose serious health risks, including respiratory diseases and cancer when inhaled. The ease with which friable asbestos can be broken down increases the likelihood of exposure, making it crucial for handlers to exercise extreme caution when working with or around materials containing it.

In contrast, other characteristics associated with asbestos do not apply in this context. For example, friable asbestos is not classified as being difficult to disturb; rather, it is the opposite. Additionally, it is not exclusively used in roofing materials, as it has been incorporated into a variety of products. Finally, while some forms of asbestos may be safer if left undisturbed, friable asbestos must always be treated as hazardous because of the risk it poses once disrupted.