What is the Difference Between Friable and Non-Friable?

There is a major distinction between friable and non-friable asbestos materials. Asbestos-containing material (flooring, roofing, pipe wrap, insulation, etc.) in the home can be crushed, pulverized, or turned to powder by the pressure of the average human hand are known as friable materials and can release dry asbestos fibers into the air. Non-friable materials are either tough or flexible enough to contain the embedded asbestos fibers, but with age and normal wear and tear, these non-friable materials can become friable.

Federal law recognizes these variations within the classification of non-friable asbestos. There are two categories of non-friable material. One distinguishes material that has become friable for one reason or another (Category I). The other is material that remains non-friable (Category II). Even Category II material may be regulated as friable material. If Category II non-friable material has been cut, scraped, sanded, or disturbed to where it produces dust, or if it is likely to be be disturbed during demolition or renovation, it falls under the friable and Category I materials.