What Does Friable Asbestos Mean?
Exposure to asbestos, even in limited amounts, can cause serious health problems such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Generally speaking, asbestos can come in either friable or non-friable forms. Friable asbestos is generally considered to be the more dangerous kind of asbestos.
Friable Asbestos
Friable asbestos is asbestos containing material that can be broken or pulverized by the force of your hands alone. Non-friable asbestos can't be broken down in this way, unless it is old or has been damaged.
Health Risks
Because friable asbestos can be easily broken, it is more susceptible to releasing asbestos fibers into the air. If inhaled, these fibers can cause cancer later in life.
Percentage of Asbestos
According to U.S. officials, such as those from the Environmental Protection Agency, friable asbestos materials contain over one percent asbestos by weight.
Changes Over Time
As non-friable asbestos containing material ages, or if it is broken or damaged in some way, it can be reclassified as friable asbestos.
Handling and Disposal
Because of the health risks associated with friable asbestos, it must be handled and disposed of in accordance with both state and federal laws, including regulations set forth by the U.S. EPA.
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