What is one key characteristic of friable asbestos?

One key characteristic of friable asbestos is that it can be easily crumbled or pulverized. This property is significant because it indicates that the asbestos fibers can be released into the air with minimal pressure or disturbance, which poses a potential health risk. When asbestos is friable, even minor handling can cause it to break down, leading to a greater likelihood of inhalation of harmful fibers. This contrasts with non-friable asbestos, which is more stable and less likely to release fibers unless significantly disturbed or damaged. Understanding the friability of asbestos is essential for determining appropriate safety measures and handling procedures during any renovation or demolition activities involving asbestos-containing materials.