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Friable vs. Non-Friable Asbestos: What's the Difference?

Once a popular component in building materials due to its insulating properties and tensile strength, asbestos is now recognized for its potentially harmful health effects. When disturbed, asbestos-containing materials can release asbestos fibers into the air where they can be inhaled and potentially lead to such problems as respiratory illness to cancer. Once released, asbestos fibers are light enough to hang suspended in the air for days.

Asbestos-containing materials can be classified by two terms that describe how easily they may release asbestos fibers when disturbed. Friable asbestos-containing materials contain more than one percent asbestos by weight or area and can be crumbled or powdered by hand pressure. Therefore, if a friable asbestos-containing material is disturbed, tit presents a high inhalation risk as fibers are more easily released into the air. Friable asbestos-containing materials can include thermal insulation or fireproofing materials.

In comparison, non-friable asbestos-containing materials are those that contain more than one percent asbestos and in which asbestos fibers are bound or locked so that the fibers are not readily released. Non-friable materials present a risk for fiber release when they are subject to significant abrasion, such as sanding or cutting with electric tools. Non-friable materials can include floor and ceiling tiles, as well as asbestos cement products.

Just because an asbestos-containing material is presently classified as non-friable does not mean it can not become friable. Materials age and wear and in that process, can break down and release asbestos fibers, making them friable.

For more information on asbestos and asbestos-containing materials, contact RTS Environmental Services. Serving Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland, RTS Environmental Services specializes in mold and asbestos inspections and solutions, as well as air quality testing. RTS Environmental Services serves residential and commercial clients in such communities as College Park, Rockville, and Ashburn.

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