Friable Materials
Friable by definition identifies and focuses on the natural state or condition of a material and the degree of pressure required to break the substance into smaller pieces. The more friable a mineral or substance is the easily the substance can be broken or crumbled into smaller segments with little pressure. Most friable material is brittle, dry and when disturbed, rub or handled easily break into small fragments.
The term friable generally applies to minerals, substances and products like asbestos, sandstone, dried clay, ceiling tiles, crackers and polyurethane foam, which typically can be easily broken apart with the human hand while in their natural state. When determining the friable nature of a mineral, a measurement is taken when the material is in a solid mass and compared to it measurable mass and size after pressure has been applied. The friable measurement also takes into account the effort or pressure required to reduce the solid material into smaller pieces or powdered form. As a rule, if the material crumbles in your hands it can be considered as being friable in nature. Another notable aspect of friable material is in time, the measurable friable conditions of a product seems to increase, for example sprayed on asbestos fire-proofing dries out and becomes so fragile that the movement of the air can damage the product. Polyurethane foams becomes brittle when exposed to ultraviolet radiation and mud begins crumbles when left to dry in the sun. While most friable substances are harmless, some materials like asbestos or crystalline silica while in a friable state can cause serious health concerns if inhaled.
Friable is a term closely associated with asbestos minerals, products and asbestos health. The reason for this is asbestos is extremely friable due to its natural formation. Asbestos forms on three planes like other minerals but have two planes that are much weaker allowing the mineral to break into very small micro fibers.
Friable asbestos products include sprayed on fireproofing materials, acoustic ceiling tiles, plaster, wallboards, and joint compounds. What make these products so dangerous are the asbestos fibers within the material. Friable asbestos products like sprayed on fireproofing can release airborne asbestos particles when disturbed or damaged. When inhaled, asbestos fibers can get lodge in the lungs causing inflammation and other serious illnesses.
The term non-friable applies to solid rigid materials and products like asbestos cement board, vinyl, roofing shingles and asphalt. What makes these product non-friable is it requires a considerable amount of effort to reduce or break into smaller pieces and not likely to be broken apart with bare hands. This is not to imply the material is unbreakable, it simply takes considerable effort to break apart. Non-friable materials with asbestos include cement, roofing shingles, floor and ceiling tiles. Despite having asbestos fibers which are extremly friable, these materials are classified as non-friable because the asbestos fibers are encapsulated or bonded with a binder or hardening agent that prevents them from breaking down. While in tact, these products are considered relatively safe, however, microscopic fibers may be released into the air if the product is damaged, broken apart or cut.
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